Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC March 10, 2008
Support for Senegalese Mediation of Chad-Sudan SituationWe support the initiative of Senegalese President Wade to mediate between Chad and Sudan and his decision to invite Gabonese President Bongo to participate in his efforts. As a signal of our support, we will be represented at the opening ceremony of the mediation in Dakar on Wednesday, March 12 by Chargé d’Affaires Jay Smith.
As noted on February 2, we support the African Union’s (AU) call for an end to armed attacks and a refrain from violence against Chad. We continue to join the AU in condemning the recent attempt by armed Chadian rebels, operating from Sudan, to seize power extra-constitutionally.
We call for both Sudan and Chad to take immediate steps to ensure that no support is provided to rebels from their neighbor. We call on Sudan, Chad, and rebel groups to cease all cross border intrusions.
We support rapid deployment of the EU Force and the UN Mission to the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT), as well as the UN/AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), which will facilitate humanitarian operations and peace efforts in the region. The U.S. looks forward to continuing to work with the International Community on regional stability and humanitarian issues.
2008/171
Released on March 10, 2008
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