US & UK v. UN on Darfur, Sudan

The U.S. yesterday gave permanent members of the Security Council elements of a resolution that would establish a peacekeeping force in Sudan of up to 10,000 troops and place an arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze on government officials.

The UN today received a report that eight villages in Darfur were burned to the ground on Jan. 21. Government-backed Arab militias, known as the Janjaweed, have driven 1.7 million people from their homes and murdered tens of thousands of villagers in the region since February 2003.

The U.S. wants to increase pressure on Sudan's government following its Jan. 9 agreement to end a 22-year civil war with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army and form a coalition government. The war, fought in part over oil resources in southern Sudan, left 1.5 million people dead and 4 million homeless.

China and Russia have blocked U.S. efforts to impose sanctions on Sudan for the past six months.

The Security Council has adopted two resolutions in that time threatening the Sudanese government with sanctions for failing to disarm and disband the Janjaweed. [read more]

To contact the reporter on this story:
Bill Varner at the United Nations at wvarner@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story:
Edward DeMarco at edemarco1@bloomberg.net

President George W. Bush wants to force a vote so that the world will know just where who stands where. This is a humanitarian crisis that has to dealt with very soon. Please let the reporters hear your voice. You may also reach any Senator or Congressperson at 877-762-8762. Voice your support for those who have no voice. Thank you, and have a great day.