Arab FMs to meet over Darfur crisis

Arab foreign ministers will convene an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss how to contain the crisis in Sudan's western region of Darfur, Egypt's official MENA news agency reported Saturday.

During the gathering, the participants will mull over the latest developments of the situation in Darfur in light of a UN Security Council resolution on the Darfur issue and try to form a unified Arab stance on the issue.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Ismail is expected to expound efforts exerted by the Sudanese government to tackle the crisis and overcome humanitarian conditions in the region.

According to an Arab diplomatic source, the Arab foreign ministers could voice their rejection of any foreign military intervention in the Darfur region.

They would also welcome the dispatch of observers from a number of Arab countries as part of African Union forces in the region, the source added.

On July 30, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution, demanding that Sudan disarm the pro-government Arab militia in 30days, known as the Janjaweed which was blamed for atrocities in Darfur, or face international sanctions.

Darfur is considered the site of the world's worst humanitarian crisis. It has been plagued by a 17-month conflict between the government and two rebel forces formed by local black tribes. The conflict has left up to 10,000 people dead and some 1million displaced since the revolt began.

Source: Xinhua