ISLAMABAD, July 31: Pakistan said on Saturday that it had abstained from the UN Security Council vote on the Sudan issue as it considered the final text of the resolution inadequate to resolve the crisis.

The foreign office, in a press release, appreciated the improvement made in the draft in response to Pakistan's proposals. Yet, it pointed out, the final text lacked the 'delicate balance' that the complex situation in Sudan required.

The FO regretted that no compromise had been possible despite efforts and consistent counselling by Pakistan for a calibrated response.

The Security Council had adopted Resolution No 1556 on the Darfur situation on Friday. Pakistan and China had abstained from the vote. Thirteen members of the Council, including seven co-sponsors - US, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Romania and Chile - voted for the resolution.

Pakistan said it endorsed the humanitarian objectives of the resolution and its people and government was as concerned about the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region as other members of the international community.

The press release said Pakistan welcomed the involvement of the UN secretary-general in facilitating a solution to the crisis. The July 3 joint communique provided the best framework for addressing the humanitarian, security and political aspects of the issue, it added.

Pakistan emphasized that the cooperation of the government of Sudan was critical in realizing the objectives of saving lives, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and stabilizing peace in the Darfur region.

"Our collective endeavours must encourage that cooperation, not complicate it," it maintains.

The secretary-general had consistently emphasized the need for a 'coldly realistic' approach, said the foreign office and added that Pakistan agreed with this advice.

However, Pakistan did not believe that the threat or imposition of sanctions on Sudan was advisable under this resolution.

Pakistan hoped that the Security Council would not take any drastic measures and looked forward to the report from the secretary-general after the passage of the 30-day deadline given to Sudan to disarm militia.

Pakistan also did not believe that the adoption of the entire resolution under Chapter VII was necessary. It welcomed the emphasis on the need for a political solution to the crisis and hoped that all parties must participate in the dialogue in good faith.

Pakistan said that a solution to the Darfur crisis must be found within the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan.

The foreign office said that President Musharraf in two telephonic conversations with his Sudanese counterpart Omar al-Beshir had emphasized the need for a visible action for speedy disarmament of the Janjaweed militia. The president had been invited to visit Sudan, it said.