(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-31 21:03

EL FASHIR - A hybrid force of the United Nations and the African Union on Monday took over the peacekeeping mission in the conflict-torn western Sudanese region of Darfur from the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS).

The hybrid force, which is well-known as the UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), took over the peacekeeping mission from the AU peacekeeping force in a ceremony held in El Fashir, the capital of North Darfur State.

After documents about the transfer was signed by representatives of the UN and the AU, the flag of the AU was lowered down and the flag of the hybrid force was hoisted.

In his address at the ceremony, representative of the Sudanese government and Governor of North Darfur State Osman Mohammed Yousef Kibr reiterated that his government would provided necessary supports and assistances for the hybrid peacekeeping force.

"The government is committed to all the agreements and understandings it has reached with the UN and the AU, and will provide all the necessary support for the success of the hybrid operation," the governor said.

In addition, he praised the efforts exerted by the AU peacekeeping force in Darfur which had worked in an extremely difficult circumstance.

On July 31, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1769, authorizing the deployment the hybrid force including some 20,000 troops and more than 6,000 police and civilian staff to replace the underfunded AU peacekeeping force, which had been deployed in the region in 2004.