U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan commended the African Union (AU) today on its decision to deploy an expanded monitoring and peacekeeping force in Darfur, Sudan, spokeswoman Marie Okabe said. "In the light of the growing insecurity in Darfur, the secretary-general urges the AU to deploy this force speedily," said Okabe. The larger mandate will increase troop and police size from 465 to 3,320. It will provide protection to more AU monitors who are currently in the region to observe cease-fire violations, as well as to civilians and humanitarian operations that are under imminent threat. "The secretary-general considers it essential that the African Union receive the urgent, adequate, and continuing support of the international community, not only to quickly deploy but to sustain effectively its mission," said Okabe. "The U.N. will continue to offer the AU whatever assistance it can," and Annan urged U.N. member states to "generously" provide the required support.
