UNITED NATIONS, July 30 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Nations SecurityCouncil demanded on Friday Sudan disarm the marauding Arab militiain the troubled Darfur region and prosecute its leaders or face possible international economic sanctions.

    The threat was contained in a resolution adopted by the 15-nation council, in a vote of 13-0, with China and Pakistan abstaining.

    The council requested UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to reportin 30 days, and monthly thereafter, to it on Sudan's compliance with the demands.

    It "expresses its intention to consider further actions, including measures as provided for in Article 41 of the Charter ofthe United Nations, on the government of Sudan, in the event of non-compliance."

    Under this provision, the council may call upon UN member states to interrupt economic, transport, communications and diplomatic relations, which amounts to sanctions.

    The US-proposed resolution was co-sponsored by Britain, Romania,Germany, France, Spain and Chile. It imposes immediately an arms embargo and a travel ban on the Arab militia, known as the Janjaweed, which has been accused of brutally attacking black Africans in Darfur.

    Darfur is currently dubbed as the site of the world's worst humanitarian crisis. It has been plagued by a 17-month conflict between the Sudanese government and two rebel forces formed by local black tribes. The Janjaweed was said to be allies of the government, an allegation denied by Khartoum.

    The conflict has left up to 30,000 people dead, some 1 million internally displaced and more than 2 million people in desperate deed of humanitarian assistance. There are another 150,000 Sudanese taking refugee in neighboring Chad. Enditem