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UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The U.N. Security Council expressed "profound concern" Tuesday at the upsurge in violence and worsening humanitarian situation in Darfur and Russia called on members to consider sanctions against rebel groups challenging peace efforts.
The United States, Britain and France countered that any new sanctions would have to be balanced and target all those blocking progress to end the five-year conflict — including the Sudanese government.
The council urged the government and rebels to observe a cease-fire, refrain from hostilities, and respect international law. It also urged "the speediest possible deployment" of a 26,000-strong peacekeeping force in Darfur, whose main mission is to protect civilians.
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