[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 40 (Thursday, March 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E487-E488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LATE DR. JOHN GARANG DE MABIOR

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2007

  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 98, 
honoring the life and achievements of the late Dr. John Garang de 
Mabior and reaffirming the continued commitment of the House of 
Representatives to a just and lasting peace in the Republic of the 
Sudan. I thank my distinguished colleague Chairman Payne for his 
leadership in honoring a present-day freedom fighter.
  Dr. Garang's lasting legacy is the Comprehensive Peace Agreement 
ending the thirty year civil war. But, it was against all odds that he 
was able to become such a leader.
  It was a long journey for Dr. Garang who came from a poor family in a 
small Dinka village in southern Sudan. In an interview once, he told a 
reporter that his village was in such neglect that no one was able even 
to read. Thanks to a relative he was able to attend school in a nearby 
village and set the course for his educational advancement to 
eventually earn his doctorate from Iowa State University.
  Yet, the plight of the people in his home country ravaged by civil 
strife and numerous injustices compelled him to return home. He was 
greeted by the Sudanese government's policies that marginalized and 
suppressed African communities in the South. The North had better 
schools, employment opportunities and infrastructure developments. Even 
today, you

[[Page E488]]

can go to Juba, in southern Sudan, to see its effects where there is no 
electricity, running water or paved roads.
  In the face of such challenges Dr. Garang fought to achieve a ``new 
Sudan'' where all were united and equal and worked to turn his rebel 
movement into a popular government, open to dialogue, cooperation and 
constantly suiting the needs of the nation.
  Accordingly, I pay tribute to Dr. Garang's tireless efforts for the 
struggle of peace in Sudan. Dr. Garang was a charismatic figure who 
awakened the consciousness of a society. And he set the bar very high.
  In order to ensure a lasting peace, we must urge President Al-Bashir 
and all stakeholders to maintain the integrity of the Comprehensive 
Peace Agreement, to respect human rights and to create a stabilized 
nation where everyone enjoys their full rights of citizenship. This is 
the best way to honor the spirit of Dr. Garang's life's work.
  Madam Speaker, there is still work to do. Dr. Garang's premature 
death left a great void. May his death not be in vain. That is why I 
pledge my continued support for peace and development in Sudan. As we 
honor one of Sudan's greatest leaders as well as one of Africa's, I 
further extend my commitment to end the genocide in Darfur. I know Dr. 
Garang would agree that peace must be everywhere.

                          ____________________