Egypt warned Thursday the five permanent members of the UN Security Council not to threaten Sudan with fresh sanctions over Darfur, calling instead for confidence-building measures and dialogue.

Egypt made the call a day after the United States and Britain threatened sanctions and other punitive measures unless Sudan agrees to boost a UN peacekeeping force in war-torn Darfur.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said he sent the warning in a series of "urgent messages" to the Foreign Ministers of the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia.

"The messages that were sent stressed the need for confidence-building measures and strengthening contacts and dialogue with the Sudanese government rather than threatening to impose sanctions," Abul Gheit said in a statement.

Abul-Gheit said: "It would have been expected and logical for the international community to greet Sudan's agreement to the light and heavy support package with welcome and encouragement instead of threats and pressures".