A United Nations report said Sudan's leaders have not
prevented government-backed militias from attacking civilians in Darfour.
"The government has not stopped militia from attacking civilians," the
report said. "Such inaction and prevailing impunity continue to undermine
the confidence that statements by the government are intended to inspire on
the other side of the negotiating table."
The report also said rebel groups have continued to harass aid workers, Middle East Newsline reported.
The report, by UN secretary-general Kofi Annan for the Security Council, determined
that there has been no advancement toward a political solution to end the
civil war in Darfour. Annan said both Khartoum and rebel groups failed to
exploit the peace agreement signed in January 2005.
"For their part, the rebel movements do not inspire much confidence that
they are prepared to seize political opportunities," the report said. "Rebel
forces have refused to reveal their positions to the African Union Ceasefire
Commission, have continued to harass relief workers and have fired on
African Union and World Food Program helicopters."
Annan said concerted political pressure must be brought to bear on all
sides to facilitate what he termed serious talks between the government and
rebels.
Earlier, Khartoum announced the start of a withdrawal of its military
and security forces in Darfour to lines held before the offensive in
December 2004. Sudan and the African Union had agreed on such a withdrawal.
