United Nations: The United States draft resolution threatening Sudan with Oil sanctions over crisis in Darfur region met with strong opposition in the 15-member Security Council but American diplomats insisted that it would be adopted possibly next week with some modifications.

The resolution does not lay down any firm deadline but it could be incorporated during the negotiations.

Sudan has strongly criticized the draft resolution, branding it "continuity of unfair actions by US such as what it has done in Iraq". But American Secretary of State Colin Powell called what is happening in Darfur as genocide.

After closed door meeting of the Council on the American draft yesterday (Sep 9, 2004), diplomats said that the Opposition was particularity strong from China which made it clear that the draft is not acceptable in the present form. Beijing has veto power and diplomats said China threatened to use it unless changes were made in the draft.

The resolution would require nine votes with no veto for adoption.

Washington would have to accommodate some of China's concerns though diplomats point out Beijing mostly comes around and abstains if a draft is not to its liking.

China and Pakistan are among the major importers of oil from Sudan, which produces some 350,000 barrels a day and is poised to raise it by another 12,000 barrels.