| Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC January 5, 2007 The United States Condemns Ongoing Violence in DarfurThe United States condemns the ongoing violence in Darfur that prevents a durable cease-fire, including the bombing by Sudanese Armed Forces of areas around Um Rai in North Darfur in late December and early January. A joint African Union - United Nations team, led by African Union Force Commander Aprezi, had just met with Darfur rebel commanders in Um Rai on December 28 in order to urge them to abide by the cease-fire and participate fully in the Cease-fire Commission. Immediately after the meeting, the Sudanese Armed Forces bombed the meeting site. These actions violate the Sudanese Government's pledge made in Addis Ababa on November 16, 2006 to facilitate the work of the African Union to achieve a strengthened cease-fire. In addition, the United States is deeply concerned with violence around Gereida, South Darfur, where rebel militias have attacked humanitarian workers. The United States calls on all parties to the Darfur conflict to refrain from violence, renew their commitment to the cease-fire, and fully participate in the Cease-fire Commission, in particular its next meeting scheduled for Monday, January 8. 2007/004
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