Darfur protests in U.S., Britain

Thousands of people protested Sunday outside Prime Minister Tony Blair’s residence to demand decisive action to end the violence in Darfur, holding up a 7-foot hourglass filled with artificial blood.

Protests also were held in the United States, Israel and other countries on what campaigners designated a global day of action.

In London, protesters handed a letter to Gareth Thomas, a minister of state for international development, calling for the quick deployment of a strong peacekeeping force in Sudan’s western region of Darfur, where a four-year war has left more than 200,000 people dead and more than 2 million displaced.

The letter, addressed to Blair, urged the prime minister “to use your influence to push the international community to call for action.”

“Time is running out for the people of Darfur, and we urge you to keep the pressure on the government of Sudan until there is an effective peacekeeping force on the ground protecting civilians,” the letter said.

Organizers said 3,500 people attended the London rally.

The United States and Britain have been working on a proposal calling for sanctions against Sudan if it does not agree to the deployment of United Nations peacekeepers to help a beleaguered African Union force.

In Washington, actress Mia Farrow spoke to protesters in front of the White House. A large sign in the background read, “Peace and Protection Now.”

Celebrities including Farrow, Elton John, Mick Jagger and George Clooney issued a statement Sunday calling for an end to the bloodshed in Darfur and accusing the international community of failing to act.

“We have come together to say that time is up,” the statement said. “The international community must end its stalling and take decisive action.”