Annan warns of Darfur troubles

UNITED NATIONS — Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned Monday that Sudan’s volatile Darfur region faces an increasing threat of complete lawlessness and anarchy and said it is crucial that the government and rebels conclude a peace agreement by the end of the year.

In his monthly report to the U.N. Security Council, Annan said “a dangerous increase” in violence in recent months has affected the delivery of humanitarian aid and claimed the lives of civilians and five members of the African peacekeeping force.

“The looming threat of complete lawlessness and anarchy draws nearer,” he wrote.