For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 22, 2003
Statement by the President
Peace Process in Sudan
Today I informed Congress, consistent with the Sudan Peace Act,
that the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement
(SPLM) are negotiating in good faith and that negotiations should
continue.
Both sides have made significant progress negotiating a just and
comprehensive peace for the people of Sudan. There is still much work
remaining. Sporadic military activities, primarily but not exclusively
by the Government, have hindered these efforts and must stop. Despite
these challenges, negotiators are advancing toward peace, and I believe
that the current process presents the best prospects for peace.
It is now time to move the peace process to a new level where the
actions of both parties replace promises as the measure of their
commitment to peace. President Bashir and Chairman Garang must
demonstrate the leadership necessary to ensure that their respective
sides: 1) refrain from any hostile or provocative action; 2) complete
negotiations on outstanding issues; and 3) sign and implement a
comprehensive agreement.
The United States fully supports the invaluable mediation efforts
of the Government of Kenya. We stand ready with other members of the
international community to support the implementation of a
comprehensive agreement when it is finalized this June.
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