EU to Threaten Sudan with Sanctions

(AP) – The European Union joined the United States on Monday in pushing for “imminent” U.N. sanctions against Sudan if it does not end the conflict in its western Darfur region. Sudan criticized the move, saying it would just make things worse. The EU’s 25 foreign ministers urged the Sudanese government to implement a July 3 promise to U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to crack down on pro-government Arab militias, improve security and provide better access for relief efforts. EU officials said they were studying the possibility of freezing the assets of the Sudanese government and rebel leaders as well as travel bans against specific people. However, any final decision would be up to the U.N. Security Council. Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail, visiting Turkey , said threatening sanctions did more harm that good.