Annan stands by Pronk in row over Sudan

The head of the UN mission in Sudan, Jan Pronk, has arrived back in New York after being expelled by the Sudanese government. Sudan’s ambassador the UN, Abdalmahmood Mohamad, says there is no way back for the Dutch diplomat: “As far as we’re concerned, Mr Pronk is history. He’s no longer welcome in Sudan,” he said.

Pronk’s comments about the situation in Darfur led to him being ordered out. He was expelled after he wrote in his blog that Sudan’s army had suffered defeats in Darfur and had low morale. Khartoum has denounced Pronk’s allegations, claiming they were “psychological warfare” and demonstrated hostility towards the government and armed forces.

However Pronk has received support from former rebels who joined the government last year. The UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, has also defended Pronk by saying his “status remains unchanged.”

Copyright © 2012 euronews