Sudan denies knowledge of possible AU forces’ increase in Darfur

KHARTOUM, Aug 5, 2004 (Al-Sahafah newspaper) — The spokesman of African Union [AU] yesterday announced that AU may increase the number of its forces to be deployed in Darfur to 2000 from 300.

The Sudanese government denied to have received any request from the AU regarding the changes. However, the government affirmed that it would look into any request from the AU with an open mind.

The spokesman of the AU, Mr Adam Thiam, said “the AU is determined to increase the strength of its protection force for Darfur from 300 to 2000 soldiers, as both Nigeria and Rwanda proposed sending 1000 soldiers each”.

He said talks with these two countries have reached a “very advanced stage”. He said the mandating of protection force may grow into a larger peacekeeping force. However, this would require the approval of the AU Peace and Security Council.” He added “we are in the process of developing peace process.”

Thiam further said the 300 AU forces would be deployed in Darfur before 15 August.

The external relations minister, Dr Mustafa Uthman Isma’il, denied any knowledge of Sudanese government about the AU’s request in this regard.

Translated from arabic by BBC Monitoring Middle East.