Sudan's UN ambassador defends stance on peacekeepers

Sudan's ambassador to the United Nations, Abdul Haleem, says he stands by a letter from his office which warns nations against contributing to a UN peacekeeping force in Darfur.

The letter says any offer of troops for the force would be considered a hostile act.

Members of the Security Council condemned the threat as inappropriate and offensive, prompting Sudan's Foreign Minister to distance his Government from the letter.

But Dr Haleem has insisted a UN force in Darfur would be an invasion of Sudan's sovereignty.

"If somebody comes to your bedroom without your acceptance and without your permission and insisted on coming closer to your bed what would be your reaction?," he said.

- BBC