Sudan tackles US moves for new UN resolution on Darfur

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Mar 13, 2005 (PANA) — Despite Khartoum’s acknowledgement of efforts by Washington to forge peace across the country, the
government of Sudan has said it was mobilising opposition to a new UN Security Council resolution on the crisis in Darfur,
tabled by the US.

Washington is currently pushing for a Security Council resolution
recommending a probe into war crimes in Darfur, an arms embargo
on Sudan, a travel ban for its officials and the freezing of the
assets of officials impeding peace efforts or posing a threat to
stability in Darfur.

Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail told a press conference
here Saturday that Khartoum fully supports US moves in favour of
the peace process in Sudan and on improving conditions in the
restive western region of Darfur.

“However, when these moves undermine Sudan’s national interests,
whether they be made at the [UN] Security Council or at any other
forum, the government must stand up for itself,” Ismail stressed.

He said Sudan would cooperate fully with countries opposed to
the US-sponsored resolution at the Security Council.

Last Thursday, the Council extended the mandate of the UN Advance
Mission in Sudan (UNAMIS) by a week, as differences persisted
among its members on the question of a war crimes tribunal and
sanctions.

“We shall explore all possible avenues to check American moves
within the Security Council,” the minister vowed.

Darfur has for more than two years been in conflict, with the
rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) and Justice and Equality
Movement (JEM) up in arms against Khartoum for marginalising the
region.