Condoleezza Rice

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the United Nations may need to take a greater role in peacekeeping efforts in Sudan's war-weary Darfur region.

Ms. Rice says the 7000-member African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur is "pretty close to the limits" of its ability to contain violence, amid mounting tensions along the border between Sudan and Chad.

The Secretary of State says the Sudanese government should cooperate with the international community, instead of opposing proposals to increase the peacekeeping force in the country's restive western region.

Three years of war in Darfur between rebel groups and a pro-government Arab militia have displaced millions of people from their homes.  The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people.
 
Some information for this report provided by AFP, Reuters.