A three-part solution involving a U.N. peacekeeping operation, humanitarian efforts, and a political solution is the only viable way for Sudan to solve the crisis in Darfur, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said yesterday in response to a question by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). "Obviously, we're waiting until the AU (African Union) decides on what will happen to their forces," said Dujarric. "We will go ahead with planning" for a future U.N. peacekeeping force, he added, but stressed that any action on the ground would only be possible with the agreement of the Sudanese government. "The important thing is to bring relief to the civilians who are Sudanese," said Dujarric. "It is in the best interests of the international community and the Sudanese government … to end the violence in Darfur." Sudanese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohamed Elsamani told reporters in Nairobi today that violence in Darfur will spread if the AU force is replaced with a U.N. peacekeeping force.
