UN states told: 'Don't hide behind secretary-general'

[dArKeR]

Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned United Nations member states not to use him as an excuse for their own inaction in helping to protect more than a million people caught up in fighting in western Sudan.

He again raised the possibility of international intervention to help protect civilians in Darfur where Arab militias, believed to be backed by the government, have been attacking the black African population.

"It is the responsibility of the government to protect, but if the government can't do it, it should be prepared to ask for the help of the international community to assist them," Annan said on Monday.

"And the international community must insist that these people be protected."

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?ao=117617

[struggle4progress]

1. Go Kofi!