UN Demands Sudan Disarm Militia, Threatens Sanctions

[Freddie Stubbs]

July 30 (Bloomberg) -- The United Nations Security Council demanded that Sudan immediately disarm and prosecute members of the Arab Janjaweed militia that has uprooted and killed black villagers in the western region of Darfur, or face the possibility of sanctions.

The resolution, which passed on a 13-0 vote with China and Pakistan abstaining, called on Sudan to allow unimpeded access to humanitarian workers aiming to help Darfur and provide a secure environment for investigators to probe atrocities. The UN has called the situation in Darfur the world's worst humanitarian emergency.

In its resolution, the Security Council expressed its ``grave concern at the ongoing humanitarian crisis and widespread human rights violations.'' The U.S., European Union and other governments accuse Sudan of arming the Janjaweed to carry out attacks against black Africans in the area.

The measure warns oil-producing Sudan that ``further actions'' can be taken ``in the event of noncompliance'' and cites Article 41 of the UN Charter, which provides for economic sanctions.

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