April 27-28 2005

Daily News Brief: 04/27-28/05

Darfur News

http://www.sudan.net/news/posted/11459.html " target="_blank">AP:African Union leaders agree to more than double peacekeepers in Darfur. More peacekeepers have been dedicated but they need financial support and they need an expanded mandate.
Related Story-AP:African Union leaders meet to discuss more troops, wider mandate for Darfur peacekeeping
Related Story-AFP:African Union to meet this week on beefing up Darfur mission
Related Story-AP:African Union to triple Sudan's Darfur peacekeepers (same as first article but it says triple.)
Related Story-Reuters:"An African Union force in Darfur will be given a stronger mandate to protect civilians who face attack in the troubled western Sudanese region, "

AP:AU may need to quadruple troops to restore order in Darfur

Reuters:"Secretary-General Kofi Annan suggested that Africa Union troops in Sudan's Darfur region could become part of a U.N. peacekeeping mission or be augmented with a multinational force. "

WP:US Administration defends estimate of deaths in Darfur conflict. This article discusses the debate over the figures, why Zoellick choose his figures, and includes a letter to the editor from Zoellick stating that he was right, but we all need to get it together and do something.

http://www.sudanembassy.org/default.asp?page=viewstory&id=371,,Embasy of Sudan:DEATH TOLL IN DARFUR - THE POLITICS OF NUMBERS. Skeptical about the motives of various numbers citers. Wants focus to be stopping the conflict rather than sighting inflammatory numbers that will insight rebels and put pressure on Khartoum.

Sudan Tribune:"Sudanese president and Leader of the ruling National Congress (NC) party Omar Hassan al-Bashir has reiterated his solemn pledge that no Sudanese national will ever be handed over for trial at a foreign court, the officail SUNA reported yesterday. "

Xinhua:"Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismail said Tuesday that his government is conducting internal and external consultations in an effort to deal with UN resolutions on Sudan. "

Xinhua:Sudan's VP reaffirms commitment to peaceful solution to Darfur

VOA:US Official Warns of 'Downward Spiral' in Sudan. "Mr. Zoellick reiterated the importance the United States places on helping strengthen African Union peacekeeping forces, adding Sudan in general stands at a crossroads. "

Reuters:"Sudan should set up an independent court to try people accused of war crimes in the troubled region of Darfur, a senior official [Justice Minister Ali Mohamed Osman Yassin] said on Thursday. "

AFP:Sudan to take part in Nigeria peace talks with Darfur rebels

SUNA:Minister says US attitude towards Sudan contradictory. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mustafa Osman Ismail feels that recent bill on Congress floor contradicts U.S. desire to work with Sudan to end terror.

AFP:African Union asks for NATO's help in Darfur
Related Story-Reuters:"Nato is to study how it can help African Union forces in the troubled Sudanes region of Darfur. "
Related Story-Xinhua:Sudan Accepts NATO Logistic Support
BBC:Nato ponders Darfur support role

Sudan Tribune:Sudanese govt opposes NATO military backup in Darfur

Reuters:"Sudan said on Thursday it welcomed logistical or technical help from NATO in its troubled Darfur region, but did not want any of the 26-nation alliance's troops be deployed on the ground. "
Related Story-Xinhua:"The Sudanese government on Wednesday renewed its refusal to the deployment of any non-African troops in its western Darfur region. "

Reuters:Asylum debate alarms Sudanese refugees. "The Refugee Council has called reporting and commentary on asylum seekers and refugees in the press