In this issue:

Sudan Accepts UN Resolution for Peacekeeping Force

Germany Declines Troops for Darfur 'Peacekeeping' Force

Sudan Accepts UN Resolution for Peacekeeping Force

Aug. 1 (EIRNS)—Sudan Foreign Minister Lam Akol today announced that Sudan has accepted UN resolution 1769, which specifies procedures for the implementation of a joint 26,000-man Africa Union-United Nations peacekeeping force in Darfur. Sudan agreed to the idea of a "hybrid" peacekeeping force in negotiations with the AU and the UN in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia June 12. Akol said that the resolution "only permits the use of force in self-defense" and to "protect civilians in conflict zones without damaging Sudan's sovereignty."

Rebels began attacks against the government in 2003, targeting police forces, hospitals, schools, and other government institutions in the Darfur region of Sudan. Darfur is roughly the size of France.

Germany Declines Troops for Darfur 'Peacekeeping' Force

Aug. 2 (EIRNS)—Spiegel online reported Aug. 1 that the relevant German ministries and Chancellor Angela Merkel's office have agreed that their government welcomes the formation of a UN "peacekeeping" mission to Darfur, but that it would itself be unable to provide any troops. A German government spokesman made clear that the country's foreign military deployments could not expand beyond Kosovo and Afghanistan. Germany currently has 200 soldiers providing logistical support for the African Union peacekeepers in Darfur, and has 38 military observers with the UN Mission in Sudan, and they will remain there.