Tuesday, July 31, 2007


Jul. 31, 2007 (Xinhua News Agency delivered by Newstex) -- 2nd LD Writethru: Draft resolution on Darfur formally introduced in UN Security Council

UNITED NATIONS, July 30 (Xinhua) -- A draft resolution on authorizing a joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping operation in Darfur, Sudan, was formally introduced at the UN Security Council late on Monday.

The text of the draft has been put in blue, meaning it is ready for an imminent vote, probably on Tuesday, a diplomat told Xinhua.

The final text of the draft, which was cosponsored by Britain and France and some other countries, jettisoned threats of sanctions on Sudan, which were contained in initial texts, and highlighted the importance of political processes in tackling the Darfur issue, said the diplomat, who demanded anonymity.

The latest document has taken into consideration some of the Sudanese government's concerns, the diplomat added.

The latest text toned down the reference to Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which deals with peace and security and can be enforced through measures as harsh as military intervention, the diplomat said.

It removed a section allowing peacekeepers to 'take necessary action' to monitor arms violations under Chapter 7, but retained the permission to take actions to protect UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment, and to ensure the security and freedom of movement.

Under the final draft, the hybrid operation in Darfur known as UNAMID would be authorized and mandated for an initial period of 12 months, consisting of up to 19,555 military personnel, including 360 military observers and liaison officers, and an appropriate civilian component including up to 3,772 police personnel and 19 formed police units comprising up to 140 personnel each.

The document called on member states to finalize their contributions to UNAMID within 30 days of the adoption of the resolution.

Newstex ID: XIN-0001-18535082


Delivered by Newstex LLC
via theFinancials.com