United States Condemns Violence in Darfur

We call upon all groups in Darfur to refrain from violent attacks, recognize their responsibilities, and abide by the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) and the N’djamena Cease-Fire Agreement. We urge all groups to cooperate fully with the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), adhere to United Nations Security Council resolutions, proceed with the full implementation of the DPA, and respect international law as it pertains to protecting humanitarian workers and the innocent people of Darfur who have suffered for so long.

The United States is firmly committed to peace in Sudan. The DPA provides the best opportunity for lasting security, peace, reconciliation, and reconstruction in Darfur. It accommodates the reasonable political, economic, and security goals of the people of Darfur.

Recognizing the considerable efforts of AMIS in decreasing the large-scale, organized violence in Darfur, the situation has evolved and become much more complex and difficult. Consequently, a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force must deploy without delay. Only a large, robust, mobile, and fast-reacting UN force is capable of stopping the violence and protecting innocent lives; supporting continued and full implementation of the DPA; and providing a safe and secure environment whereby internally displaced persons and refugees can return to their homes.

The African Union has consistently called for transition of AMIS to a UN operation without delay. Such a transition should take place by October 1. We call on Sudan’s Government of National Unity to immediately accept a UN peacekeeping force and for the UN to begin deploying its troops without delay.