ADDIS ABABA, March 10 (Xinhuanet) -- The African Union Peace and Security Council on Friday agreed in principle to hand over its peacekeeping mission in Sudan's western region of Darfur to the United Nations.

    "The council decided to support in principle a transition of AMIS (African Union Mission in Sudan) towards a UN mission... in the promotion of peace and security," said a statement issued after the council's ministerial meeting.

    The council also decided to extend the mandate of AMIS until September 30, 2006, said the statement.

    Diplomats here say the shortage of financial resources cause the African Union to give up the continuation of its role in Darfur.

    The 7,800-strong AU Darfur force, deployed in 2004, has been constrained by poor funding and has been unable to contain the volatile situation in Darfur.

    Sudan has been opposed to the handover plan, saying that it would support the transition to the United Nations after a peace deal has been reached with all the Darfur rebel groups.

    Clashes flared up in Darfur in February 2003 when local farmerstook up arms against the Sudanese government, accusing it of neglecting the barren area. Thousands of people have been killed and more displaced in the violence.

    Rounds of peace talks between the Sudanese government and Darfur rebels in Abuja have failed to yield fruits. Enditem