ME and Ophelia

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ANNAN ON SUDAN: "MILITARY FORCE MAY BE NEEDED
To help gain access to those affected by the conflict"

June 17 Reuters: "In a speech to mark the tenth anniversay of the Rwandan genocide, Annan warned of the risk of genocide in Darfur and said a military force may be needed to help gain access to those affected by the conflict.

U.N. and U.S. officials said on Monday Sudan was still hindering aid groups from accessing those in need in Darfur, despite government assurances to the contrary."

Note: Read Jim Moore's June 17 post "Discussion of US military intervention in Sudan". And Passion of the Present's post on Africa Action's online petition campaign that aims to obtain 10,000 signatures to help Stop Genocide in Sudan. Please add your name today to help provide protection and a safe corridor for relief workers and supplies to reach those affected by the conflict.
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ANNAN TO VISIT SUDAN IN JULY
To assess the situation in Darfur

June 17 Reuters: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is to visit Sudan soon to assess a conflict in the western Darfur region, which has been described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, officials said Thursday. "We understand yes he will be visiting Sudan in the near future. The date and the itinerary remain to be confirmed but we look forward to his visit," Kevin Kennedy, acting resident humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, told Reuters. He did not give a date for the visit.

Sudan's state minister for humanitarian affairs Mohamed Yousif Abdalla earlier said Annan would visit Sudan in July to assess the humanitarian and security situation in Darfur.