[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E57]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PROSPECTS FOR PEACE IN THE SUDAN

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, as you are keenly aware, the road to peace 
for the people of Sudan has been long and perilous. Last July, I spoke 
on the floor about the prospects for peace in the Sudan and the 
progress that was being made in negotiations between the Government of 
Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army. I am gratified 
to report that agreement has now been reached on the issue of wealth-
sharing; and just this past weekend, issues were resolved with regard 
to the Nuba Mountain and Southern Blue Nile regions, two of the three 
disputed areas between the parties. My understanding is that an 
agreement on the disputed areas will be signed as soon as resolution 
can be reached on the third disputed area, Abyei.
  Mr. Speaker, we remain optimistic that these recent events will soon 
lead to an historic accord on a Framework Agreement, which will, at 
last, bring an end to the 20-year war in Sudan and bring peace and 
social stability to all the people of Sudan.
  Mr. Speaker, peace is near in the Sudan.
  I would like to recognize the commitment of President Bashir and the 
Khartoum government and that of SPLM/A and Mr. Garang in their tireless 
efforts to make this historic moment possible. I would also like to 
recognize the continuing commitment of this administration to achieving 
peace in the Sudan and that of Special Envoy John Danforth for his role 
as a catalyst for the peace process.
  Mr. Speaker, I call on my distinguished colleagues to join me in 
celebrating this historic milestone and in praying that a peace 
agreement will soon be reached. We should look forward to the day when 
peace is at hand, when U.S. sanctions can be lifted and Sudan removed 
from the State Department's State Sponsors of Terrorists list and given 
the opportunity to receive the benefits of American ingenuity, 
technology and investment for their sustained growth and economic 
prosperity.

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