France opposes UN Sudan sanctions

[geek tragedy]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3875277.stm

<snip>
France says it does not support US plans for international sanctions on Sudan if violence continues in Darfur.
The UN Security Council is due to discuss a US draft resolution imposing sanctions on militias accused of "ethnic cleansing" against non-Arabs.
<snip>

<snip>
"In Darfur, it would be better to help the Sudanese get over the crisis so their country is pacified rather than sanctions which would push them back to their misdeeds of old," junior Foreign Minister Renaud Muselier told French radio.

France led opposition to US moves at the UN over Iraq, and as in Iraq also has significant oil interests in Sudan.

Mr Muselier also dismissed claims of "ethnic cleansing" or genocide in Darfur.

"I firmly believe it is a civil war and as they are little villages of 30, 40, 50, there is nothing easier than for a few armed horsemen to burn things down, to kill the men and drive out the women," he said.
<snip>

I'm sure it would horribly cynical to suggest that Chirac, right-wing bully boy that he is, would be motivated by French oil agreements with the government of Sudan.

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. link? (n/t)

[geek tragedy]

2. Oops!

Edited the original post.

[taxidriver]

3. the sudan should absolutely be sanctioned.

it has led government sponsored massacres of christians and muslims alike, and is one of the few places where slavery is still legal.

[hightime]

4. Not to worry, all the killing will be finished before the U.N. does squat.

Just ask the Rwandans.

[geek tragedy]

5. Just as long as those pesky corpses don't interfere with oil production.

That would be a real tragedy.

[Yupster]

7. Then it will be pacified

and Chirac will be happy.

[hightime]

6. No more than he was by the ones with Iraq.

[Dardi]

8. kick

n/t