09 November 1999
Text: Scheffer Delivers Albright Message to Hill Summit on Sudan
(November 9 statement by State Dept. Spokesman Rubin) (790) U.S. policy is "to isolate the government of Sudan" and "to press for fundamental change" there, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said November 9 in a message to the Hill Summit on Sudan, which was organized by faith-based organizations to discuss Sudan's war. Ambassador at Large for War Crimes David Scheffer delivered the message for Albright, who was unable to attend the gathering, according to a press statement the same day by State Department Spokesman James Rubin. In her message, Albright outlined U.S. efforts to help the warring parties in Sudan reach a comprehensive peace settlement. "To this end," she said, "the United States has worked intensely this year to revitalize the peace process led by Sudan's East African neighbors through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)." Following is the text of Rubin's press statement: (In the text, "billion" means 1,000 million.) (begin text) U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman November 9, 1999 Ambassador at Large for War Crimes, David Scheffer, delivered the following statement on behalf of Secretary Albright this afternoon at the Hill Summit on Sudan, organized by a number of faith-based organizations Message from Secretary Albright to Sudan Summit I regret that I could not join you today to discuss the tragic war in Sudan--one of the most destructive civil conflicts in the world today. Last month, I met in Kenya with opposition leaders and members of civil society from northern and southern Sudan. I heard firsthand from them stories of the devastating impact of 16 years of war -- and of the brutal policies of the Government of Sudan. I returned more determined than ever that the United States will do all we can to achieve a just, lasting resolution. Since the National Islamic Front seized power from a democratically elected government in 1989, the United States has been at odds with the Government of Sudan. That regime has actively supported international terrorist organizations and regional insurgencies. It has compiled an appalling human rights record, including torture, religious persecution, and forced imposition of Sharia law. And it has prolonged a vicious and inhumane war, not hesitating to enslave, starve and bomb civilians in violation of international humanitarian law. Our policy is to isolate the Government of Sudan; to counter the threat it poses to the United States, its neighbors, and its own people; and to press for fundamental change in its policies. But security and democracy will come to Sudan only when the warring parties themselves reach a comprehensive peace settlement. To this end, the United States has worked intensely this year to revitalize the peace process led by Sudan's East African neighbors through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Our efforts have led to the appointment of a full-time Kenyan envoy and the establishment of a peace process Secretariat and technical committees. We now expect the warring parties to begin negotiations under this newly revitalized process this month. The United States is funding one-half of the secretariat's costs for its first six months. To make our role as strong and effective as possible, the President and I named former Congressman Harry Johnston as our Special Envoy for Sudan. We also continue to meet the significant humanitarian needs created by this devastating war. The United States has provided more than $1 billion in relief aid since 1989; we will continue to do all that is necessary to care for those in need. And we are helping build the foundations for democracy by supporting civil society and civil governance through our Sudan Transitional Assistance for Rehabilitation (STAR) program, which we have just expanded to include opposition-controlled areas in northern and eastern Sudan. I know some of you are engaged in a campaign to encourage divestment from companies investing in Sudan. As you know, President Clinton imposed comprehensive economic and trade sanctions against Sudan in November 1997. We share your concerns about the role foreign investment plays in buttressing the Khartoum regime's capacity to intensify its brutal war in the south and lessening its inclination to participate seriously in the IGAD peace process. Many of you present today have struggled long and hard for the cause of peace in Sudan. It is an honor to share this struggle with you -- and I pledge this Administration's commitment to working as partners toward a Sudan that is peaceful, democratic, and free. I congratulate those who are receiving awards -- and I wish you Godspeed. (end text) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State)
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