On Wednesday Russia criticised as ”counterproductive” sanctions the UN Security Council approved against those accused of atrocities in the Darfur region of Sudan .
The foreign ministry said in a statement the ”counterproductive decision [would] objectively reduce the potential to guarantee the security of civilians in Darfur” and would make it harder to maintain order in the conflict-torn province.
Russia — which abstained along with China and Algeria in Tuesday’s 12-0 Security Council vote in favour of the US-sponsored sanctions — also expressed doubts whether the measures could be effectively monitored.
The resolution foresees the seizure of assets and a travel ban against individuals who commit atrocities, or impede the peace process in Darfur or ”constitute a threat to stability” in the region.
The council approved the resolution amid fierce opposition from the Sudanese government in Khartoum.
The council also extended an existing arms embargo against non-state parties in Darfur to the Sudanese government and specifically prohibited Khartoum from offensive military flights into the region.
While the council has authorised a 10 000-strong peacekeeping force for southern Sudan, it has been divided over how to tackle the Darfur crisis, which according to the latest estimates has killed up to 300 000 people. — Sapa-AFP