Russia opposes increasing pressure on Sudan over Darfur

Moscow, June 25 (UNI) Russia has opposed the increasing international pressure on Sudan over the situation in its violence-torn province of Darfur.

''Expressing its opinion on various aspects of 'Darfur dossier' at the UN Security Council, Russia, China and some non-permanent members are seeking to find a compromise solution to 'Darfur knot' and to cushion a one-sided and counter productive trend to increase pressure on Sudanese authorities, including sanctions,'' Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Yakovenko said in an interview to the government controlled Rossiiskaya Gazeta daily, referring to the international conference on Darfur, which commenced today in Paris at the initiative of French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.

According to the UN estimates, acts of interethnic violence and diseases have killed at least 200,000 in Darfur since the latest conflict began in February 2003 between rebel groups seeking independence for the oil-rich region and central government in Khartoum.

In March 2007, the UN mission accused Sudan's government of orchestrating and taking part in ''gross violations'' in Darfur, and called for urgent international action to protect civilians.

The US announced new sanctions against Khartoum in May, accusing it of ''genocide.'' Washington was also pushing for additional sanctions against Sudanese government led by President Omar al-Beshir.

Yakovenko, however, said the additional pressure would only encourage Darfur opposition to put forward harsher demands and eliminate the prospects of finding a compromise altogether.

UNI