Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC May 15, 2006
Implementation of Darfur Peace AgreementThe United States welcomes today’s communiqué from the African Union Peace and Security Council following up on implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA). The statement is another example of the African Union’s strong leadership in working for peace in Darfur, and the United States applauds the AU for today’s action. In light of the African Union’s decision to reaffirm its March 10 call for concrete steps to effect the transition to a UN peacekeeping force "at the earliest possible time", the United States will work with others to move forward immediately at the UN Security Council to authorize a UN peacekeeping force for Darfur.
The United States also takes note of the AU’s call for immediate strengthening of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). We will cooperate with our international partners, NATO, and other African countries to provide assistance for AMIS during the transition period to a UN force. Recognizing the reality and necessity of a robust UN peacekeeping force to implement the extensive monitoring and implementation duties spelled out in the DPA, we urge Sudan’s full cooperation with UN planners.
The United States is firmly committed to supporting the implementation of the DPA and helping the people of Darfur to achieve peace, reconciliation, and development. The United States urges those rebel movements which have not yet signed the DPA to seize this last opportunity to follow the path of peace.
2006/504
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