U.N. chief Kofi Annan says a U.N. report on whether genocide has occurred in Sudan's western Darfur region should be sent to the International Criminal Court.
In a statement today (Tuesday), Mr. Annan said although the report concludes the Sudanese government has not pursued a policy of genocide, it finds that war crimes committed by government forces and allied Arab militias may be as heinous and serious as genocidal acts.
Mr. Annan also asked members of the U.N. Security Council to consider the possibility of sanctions.
The report also blames Darfur rebels for widespread atrocities against civilians -- including rape, murder, torture and the destruction of villages. It says in some cases, individuals, including government officials, may have commited acts with genocidal intent, adding that only a court could decide.