The African Union (AU) has said it backs proposals for a UN peacekeeping force in the Darfur region of Sudan, despite opposition from its government. A senior AU official said it was not down to Sudan to dictate what action was taken to end violence there. Sudan's foreign minister said money spent sending a UN force would be better used helping the current AU one. The AU has warned the UN that it may be forced to hand over its Darfur peace mission because of a lack of funds.