Help Wanted

Kofi Annan has welcomed outside help in the Darfur crisis.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Friday welcomed news that NATO and the European Union will help African Unionpeacekeepers in the troubled Sudanese region of Darfur, his spokesman said Friday.

Annan "believes this assistance will help to ensure the timely expansion of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), looks forward to additional practical support, and encourages donor countries to make good" on pledges made in a May 26 conference in Addis Ababa, the spokesman said.

NATO defense ministers on Thursday ratified an accord to give logistical support and training to African Union peacekeepers in Darfur. About 5,000 AU soldiers will be airlifted to Sudan by NATO and the EU.

Gee, do you think that Mr. Annan welcomes this help because maybe, just maybe, the United Nations doesn't plan to do jack?