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Sudan 'accepts UN Darfur force' | Sudan 'accepts UN Darfur force' |
(20 minutes later) | |
Sudan will agree in principle to the deployment of UN troops as part of an expanded peacekeeping force in Darfur, a top Sudanese envoy has confirmed. | |
Negotiator Sadig al-Magli told the BBC the deal showed his government's commitment to peace - although he said the size of the force was not settled. | |
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has until now opposed any involvement of the UN in the western region. | |
Nearly four years of fighting in Darfur has killed some 200,000 people. | |
More than two million people have been displaced. | |
The conflict began in early 2003, when a rebellion by local groups triggered a counter-offensive by the army and government-backed Arab militias. | |
Q&A: Peacekeeping in Darfur | Q&A: Peacekeeping in Darfur |
The UN has been urging Sudan to implement a plan to strengthen the existing African Union with dozens of UN experts. | |
The force is then to be expanded into a hybrid force, with UN troops providing logistical and other support. The aim is for most troops to come from African countries. | |
Last week, the US warned Sudan it would face unspecified sanctions if it did not agree to the plan by January. | |
The UN envoy in Khartoum, Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, told the BBC he expected to get written confirmation of the Sudanese government's acceptance of the deal on Saturday. | |
Under pressure | |
On Friday, outgoing UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said he believed the president would also agree to a ceasefire and moves to restart talks with Darfur political groups. | |
As of now it is still mainly the African troops, the African peacekeeping troops who are going to be the main ones handling the situation Sudanese ambassador in Washington | |
Correspondents say Sudan appears to have bowed to considerable international pressure. | |
But there are still areas of contention - Sudan wants the AU to stay in command of the force, and Khartoum has not said how many UN troops will be allowed on the ground. | |
The UN had wanted to deploy an extra 20,000 peacekeepers to bolster the existing AU force of 7,000 soldiers. | The UN had wanted to deploy an extra 20,000 peacekeepers to bolster the existing AU force of 7,000 soldiers. |
The Sudanese ambassador in Washington told the BBC that the UN force, whatever its size, would have a supporting role - and that the AU peacekeepers would be in charge. | |
Violence has escalated sharply in Darfur in the last few weeks. | Violence has escalated sharply in Darfur in the last few weeks. |
Late last week, the AU blamed the deteriorating security situation on the re-emergence of the pro-government Arab Janjaweed militias, and urged Khartoum to disarm the groups. | Late last week, the AU blamed the deteriorating security situation on the re-emergence of the pro-government Arab Janjaweed militias, and urged Khartoum to disarm the groups. |
Aid agencies have withdrawn 250 workers this month, leaving many in Darfur vulnerable. | Aid agencies have withdrawn 250 workers this month, leaving many in Darfur vulnerable. |