Sudan: United States Condemns the Government of Sudan's Military Offensives and Deliberate Attacks Against Civilians

The United States has reviewed the report released February 9, 2003 by the Civilian Protection Monitoring Team demonstrating that the Sudanese army and their allied-militia forces deliberately targeted and displaced civilians during operations in the oil-rich Western Upper Nile region of southern Sudan in December and January. We condemn these unconscionable attacks and abuses against civilians.

The United States expects the Government of Sudan to pursue peace in good faith by adhering to the provisions of the February 4 addendum to the October 2002 cessation of hostilities agreement. The specific actions the Government must take are clearly and unambiguously set forth in this addendum, and preliminary reports indicate that the Government may be taking some steps to act in accordance with those provisions.