Press Statement Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC April 21, 2008
U.S. Urges LRA to Demonstrate Commitment to Peace by Signing Final Peace Agreement in UgandaThe United States calls on the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) to demonstrate its commitment to a peaceful and permanent resolution of the conflict in northern Uganda by signing the Final Peace Agreement (FPA). The FPA represents an unprecedented opportunity to resolve the longstanding conflict and to enhance stability in the Great Lakes Region. We urge its signing and stand ready to support implementation
We applaud the efforts of the Government of Southern Sudan mediators, UN Special Envoy Joachim Chissano, and the observers, and we commend the Government of Uganda for its patience and resolve in the negotiations. We will continue to work with these parties to support the peace process and bring an end to this conflict that has ravaged northern Uganda and southern Sudan, and threatens the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic.
Redevelopment of northern Uganda must accelerate as people in the region return to their homes and normalcy after years of displacement and upheaval. We will continue to work closely with the Government of Uganda and the international community to reconstruct northern Uganda, assist the victims of this conflict to rebuild their lives, and enhance regional prosperity.
2008/299
Released on April 21, 2008
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