UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called for urgent action to stop attacks on civilians in western Sudan. While the US lobbies the Security Council to impose sanctions on Sudan, other members worry that such an act would only worsen the situation.

Annan announced he was sending UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour and a special adviser on genocide to Sudan this weekend. They will see what can be done to provide better protection for civilians in the Darfur region.

Demanding a swift Security Council resolution approval, Annan did not discount the possibility of using sanctions.

Kofi Annan said: "I've indicated that the Council has not imposed sanctions. It has told Sudanese authorities that they have to perform and keep their promises to the international community or they will face the consequences, including sanctions."

At the same time, the US has called for an international commission to investigate reports of genocide. In its newly drafted resolution, the US proposes an expanded African Union monitoring force. It has still threatened oil sanctions on Sudan.

But other Security Council members disagree with the US on sanctions.

Wang Guangya, Chinese Permanent Representative to UN, said: "I think that we need a solution that will be helpful for a solution, not a resolution that will make the matter worse or the situation on the ground more complicated."

Nine votes are needed to pass the resolution. A veto from any of the permanent members, including China and Russia, would kill the US proposal. Pakistan, Algeria and Brazil likewise have reservations.

Source: CCTV.com