Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC October 22, 2003
Sudan Peace Act Presidential Determination2003/1077
Consistent with section 6(b)(1)(A) of the Sudan Peace Act (Public Law 107-245), as enacted into law on October 21, 2002, the President has determined and certified that the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement are negotiating in good faith and that negotiations should continue.
The President has made this determination and certification on the basis of the following considerations:
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The parties have continued negotiations since April, including five rounds of talks in which many of the outstanding issues such as power sharing, wealth sharing, and the three conflict areas were constructively discussed.
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We believe that the parties are close to a final agreement. However, if no comprehensive agreement is in place by January 21, 2004, and in furtherance of our efforts to keep Congress informed, the President intends to provide an assessment of the parties’ participation in and commitment to the peace process.
In addition it should also be noted that the situation with respect to humanitarian access has improved dramatically in southern Sudan since October 2002. At the same time, access to significant populations in need of assistance outside of southern Sudan remains limited.
Released on October 22, 2003
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