ONE FOR KOFI

Annan backs draft resolution on Darfur (Al Jazeera, September 17th, 2004)

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has backed a US-drafted resolution on Sudan's Darfur region.

"It is urgent to act now. Civilians are still being attacked and fleeing their villages as we speak," Annan told reporters on Thursday of the resolution that threatens to consider oil sanctions against Sudan if it does not stop the abuse.

US Ambassador John Danforth said he expected to call a vote for Saturday afternoon in the 15-member council. Diplomats said they expected about 11 votes in favour of the resolution and were waiting for China to come to a decision. Russia, Pakistan and Algeria also had some reservations. [...]

"I think that it was a very important statement by the secretary-general," Danforth told reporters after another round of council talks.