Sanctions delay on two rebel commanders, Janjaweed leader and Sudan Air Force commander in Darfur

Both the US and Britain said none of the four men facing sanctions were involved in the two-year Darfur peace talks in Abuja.

"Actions would be against individuals responsible for gross violations of human rights or violations of the ceasefire, Deputy British Ambassador Adam Thomson said.

"It would have the incidental benefit of sending an indirect message to Abuja that the council is absolutely serious about returning peace to Darfur," he said.

The four Sudanese include two rebel commanders, a pro-government militia leader and a Sudan Air Force commander who had been in Darfur.

Full report (Reuters) 20 Apr 2006.