U.S. Department of State
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Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman Sudan: Concern Over SPLM Moves To Expel NGOs The United States Government is deeply concerned about and deplores the decision of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) to expel relief organizations from southern Sudan that do not sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by March 1. The abrupt departure of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from southern Sudan will seriously jeopardize ongoing humanitarian operations, putting a significant number of lives at risk and undermining progress achieved over the last decade. The humanitarian consequences resulting from the expulsion of relief organizations would fall squarely on the leadership of the SPLM. The United States Government has tried to play a facilitating role in efforts to promote good faith negotiations between the SPLM and the NGOs. Most recently, U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Harry Johnston traveled to Nairobi, Kenya on February 17 to meet with the SPLM leaders and NGO representatives, but the SPLM leadership failed to agree to move forward with negotiations. The United States Government continues to stand ready to assist in such negotiations. Faced with the potentially dire impact resulting from the expulsion of NGOs, the United States again calls on the SPLM to reopen good faith negotiations and to suspend its March 1 deadline. We also call on the SPLM to ensure the safety of any departing NGO workers and their assets. Should the SPLM opt for proceeding with NGO expulsions rather than seeking a negotiated solution, such a decision would necessarily influence the United States Government's assessment of the SPLM's commitment to addressing the overall situation in southern Sudan. [end of document]
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