KHARTOUM, Jan. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol expressed on Saturday Sudan's reservation over a UN proposal on deploying a peacekeeping force in the country's violence-plagued western Darfur region to take over from the African Union (AU) peacekeepers.

   Akol stressed at a press conference held in the Sudanese capital Khartoum that the AU has not invited the UN forces to Darfur, urging  the international community to donate money to the AU peace mission  in Darfur which is suffering from a financial shortage of some 160 million U.S. dollars.

   The AU's key problem is the lack of funds, he said, adding whoever wants to enhance security in Darfur has to confront the conflict's original obstacles, referring to the hampered logistical supply.

   Akol said that the AU has achieved its peacekeeping mission successfully in Darfur, stressing that the AU's forces are more adaptable and suitable than any other foreign forces in keeping security and stability in the Darfur region.

   "If the AU mission wants to leave the job for the UN, then that is a new move," Akol added.

   The minister also disclosed that the AU will discuss with the UN over possible deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Darfur in case of supply shortages, saying that the final decision will be made at a ministerial meeting of the AU Council of Peace and Security in March.

   In addition, the Sudanese foreign minister re-asserted Khartoum's readiness to back the AU forces in Darfur.

   Meanwhile, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry released a statement on Saturday, praising the AU's peace efforts in Darfur and voicing the government's hope for the union to continue its mission.

   The statement also called upon the international community to help the AU to solve the financial shortage.

   In addition, it urged all parties concerned to push forward peace talks and stop sending wrong signals which could complicate the situation there.

   The Sudanese government's stance came in response to a proposal by top UN envoy to Sudan Jan Pronk for deployment of international peacekeeping forces in Darfur.

   UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has said that he wanted the United States and European countries to help form a tough mobile force to stop alleged killings and lootings in Darfur.

   Rebels took up arms in Sudan's arid Darfur in February 2003, accusing Khartoum of negligence.

   Rounds of peace negotiations between Khartoum and rebels in the Nigerian capital Abuja have failed to come to a settlement to the almost three-year-long violence. Enditem