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19 May 2000

Text: Sudan's SPLM Suspends Participation in Peace Talks

(State Dept. Spokesman Boucher expresses U.S. concern) (310)
State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher on May 18 expressed the
United States' deep concern that the Sudan People's Liberation
Movement (SPLM) "has decided to suspend its participation in the peace
talks, held under the sponsorship of the Intergovernmental Authority
on Development (IGAD).
In his prepared statement, Boucher added that the United States shares
the SPLM's outrage at the government of Sudan's "continued bombardment
of civilian targets. Nevertheless," he said, "it is crucial that the
SPLM continue to participate constructively in the IGAD process."
Following is the text of Boucher's statement:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
May 18, 2000
STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN
Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) Suspends Participation in
Peace Talks
We are deeply concerned that the Sudan People's Liberation Movement
(SPLM) has decided to suspend its participation in the peace talks,
held under the sponsorship of the Intergovernmental Authority on
Development (IGAD). The SPLM cited the Government of Sudan's bombing
campaign as the reason for this decision.
We share the SPLM's outrage at the Government of Sudan's continued
bombardment of civilian targets. Nevertheless, it is crucial that the
SPLM continue to participate constructively in the IGAD process. The
IGAD process is focused on achieving a just, lasting peace settlement,
which brings an end to the government's bombing and other serious
human rights violations that stem from the ongoing conflict. We urge
the SPLM to reconsider its decision and to engage actively and
constructively in the IGAD process.
Meanwhile, we again insist that the Government of Sudan cease
completely its aerial bombardment campaign, which terrorizes civilian
populations but has little military value.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)