Sudan Govt & Justice & Equality Movement Negotiate

Government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement Negotiate Agreement

Philip J. Crowley
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
February 22, 2010

The United States welcomes the announced framework agreement between the Government of Sudan and the Darfuri rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) as a significant move toward formal negotiations in the AU/UN-led Darfur peace process.

The agreed ceasefire between the Government of Sudan and JEM is an important first step toward reducing violence in Darfur, and comes on the heels of important new agreements between the Governments of Chad and Sudan to reduce tensions along their shared border. We encourage all parties to the conflict to continue working toward a comprehensive agreement that includes the other major armed movements and civil society representatives.

The United States commends this effort by the Government of Sudan, along with the AU/UN Mediation team and the Government of Qatar, and will continue to support all efforts to bring peace to Darfur. Furthermore, we acknowledge the substantial efforts of Chadian President Idriss Déby Itno and his government in facilitating this accord.

ENDS

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