No German troops for Sudan, says Schroeder

BERLIN, May 24, 2004 (dpa) — Despite alarm over western Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Monday that Germany would not contribute troops for a possible international peacekeeping mission in the country.

“I hope the seriousness of the situation has been recognised,” said Schroeder at a press conference.

Germany could send humanitarian aid but the Chancellor stressed Berlin had no troops to spare should a peacekeeping mission be approved.

Schroeder noted that almost 10,000 German troops are currently serving in Afghanistan and the Balkans.

“I don’t see where we would have resources for such an operation,” said the German leader.

Humanitarian groups have been warning for months the situation in Western Sudan’s Darfur region will worsen unless United Nations takes action.

An estimated 1 million people have fled Darfur and pro-government militias are accused of “ethnic cleansing”. Black Africans in the region say the Arab militias are chasing them from their homes and are working with government forces.