Blair warns Sudanese govt not to block aid to Darfur

LONDON, July 07, 2004 (AP) — Prime Minister Tony Blair on Wednesday warned the Sudanese government to expect tougher international action if it fails to help aid get through to people in Darfur.

Blair told lawmakers that the food needed to ease the humanitarian crisis was in place but militia activity needed to be controlled.

“We expect the government of Sudan to cooperate in this and if they do not cooperate we will have to consider what further measures we take,” Blair told the House of Commons.

“But it is not acceptable if the aid is there and it does not get through to the displaced people.”

Blair said he had spoken with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan on Tuesday to “develop the right strategy” for dealing with the crisis.

Tensions have long existed between Darfur’s African farmers and Arab nomads, fueled by competition for land and scarce resources