The Hindu : International : Sudan asks U.K. to keep off

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 24, 2004

International

International

Sudan asks U.K. to keep off

By Ewen MacAskill and Jeevan Vasagar

KHARTOUM, JULY 23. Sudan yesterday warned Britain that it risked becoming bogged down in an Iraq-style quagmire if it sent troops to Darfur, where more than a million refugees face the threat of famine, disease and attacks by pro-government militia.

The Foreign Minister, Mustafa Osman Ismail, said British soldiers would be seen as an occupying force and face a backlash from the people of Darfur.

More than 1 million refugees, mainly from Darfur's black African tribes, have fled their homes after being attacked by the predominantly Arab Janjaweed militia, armed and sponsored by the Sudanese Government.

They now live in tent cities where a shortage of rations and overcrowding are leading to deaths from hunger and disease. Speaking at a press conference in Paris, Mr. Ismail, expressed irritation with Britain and the U.S., which have been pressing the Sudanese Government to disarm the Janjaweed and protect the refugee camps. ``I don't understand why Britain and the United States are systematically increasing pressure against us and not operating through the United Nations,'' Mr Ismail said. ``(This) pressure closely resembles the increased pressure that was put on Iraq.''

He was responding to a report that Downing Street had drawn up contingency plans involving British forces, though (the British Prime Minister) Tony Blair hopes diplomatic and political pressure on the Government in Khartoum will work.

Mr. Ismail said Sudan should be given time to implement a deal made earlier this month with the U.N. Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, to disarm the Janjaweed militia, protect the displaced civilians and suspend travel restrictions on relief workers. He said it would be a mistake for Britain to become involved militarily in Darfur.

``If (Mr. Blair) is going to send troops to Darfur, we will withdraw our troops and give him a chance to maintain security,'' he said. — Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Bosnians celebrate as bridge reopens

Ties with U.S. positive: China

2,000 U.S. troops killed in Iraq: Russian expert

New report has more evidence of prisoner abuse

The folding, flying guitar

'Napoleon killed by bungling doctors'

E.U. post for Blair ally

Travelling toilet class

Further flood fury forecast

Chickens on the run

Sudan asks U.K. to keep off

Quick action sought on 9/11 report