A United Nations investigation into killings in Sudan's Darfur region has ruled that Khartoum did not pursue a policy of ?genocide?, but had committed ?serious violations? of international law, which should be referred to the International Criminal Court.

The long-awaited report, which follows a conclusion by the US that the killings did amount to genocide, said two elements of genocide may arguably have existed that of widespread killing, and the targeting of a particular group. But it said that ?the crucial element of genocidal intent appears to missing, at least as far as the central government authorities are concerned?.