[JURIST] US Ambassador to the UN John Danforth has criticized the UN General Assembly after the body appeared likely not to take action on a resolution condemning human rights violations in Sudan. A vote on the resolution is scheduled Wednesday, but the human rights committee was set to file a "no action" motion. In comments to the press following the Tuesday session, Danforth said:

I can’t comprehend why the General Assembly would not take a very strong position on the issue of human rights abuses in Sudan. I can’t comprehend why the General Assembly would not take a very strong position in favor of the African Union’s effort, in favor of the IGAD’s effort, in favor of the peace process. I can’t comprehend why the General Assembly would not take a very strong position supporting cooperation with the Commission the Secretary General has set up to investigate whether or not there’s genocide. I don’t understand it. I think that the vote today pretty well telegraphed what the vote will be tomorrow and that is there is a strong view within the General Assembly to do with what the Commission on Human Rights had done before and that is basically to take a position of condoning inaction with respect to the situation in Darfur and the situation in Sudan. It is really important for the world community to speak strongly and to speak with one voice. Clearly the General Assembly is not prepared to do that.

Read a full transcript of Danforth's comments. A transcript of a statement that Danforth is expected to give before the General Assembly today is also available here. Despite a peace pledge made by the Sudanese government and rebels last week, the situation in the country has not yet stabilized. The US said a recent surge in violence was the fault of Darfur rebels, who were targeting police. JURIST's Paper Chase has ongoing coverage of events in Sudan. AFP has more.