[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 4 (Friday, January 9, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 SUDAN

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today marks the 4-year anniversary of 
the signing of Sudan's Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which brought an 
end to the tragic north-south civil war that raged for over two 
decades; a war, frankly, that for a long time seemed virtually endless. 
We should keep the CPA in mind as we lament the horrific suffering that 
endures in eastern Congo, Darfur, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. I am hopeful 
that 2009 will be a year in which we make significant progress toward 
peace in all of these countries, and that the United States plays an 
active role in that progress. The CPA is a remarkable testament to the 
fact that transformation is possible in even the most seemingly 
intractable conflicts when there is political will. I am proud of the 
critical role the United States played in bringing about this historic 
agreement 4 years ago, and it is a testament to the hard work of 
Special Envoy Jack Danforth and the leadership of President Bush.
  Nevertheless, the CPA is not merely about a piece of paper or a 
moment in history but a commitment to secure lasting peace throughout 
Sudan. Unfortunately, this process remains unfinished and increasingly 
fragile, as evidenced by the clashes that broke out in the oil-rich 
Abyei region last May. Several flashpoints in the states of South 
Kordofan, Jonglei, and Blue Nile remain highly volatile. There remain 
too many arms and armed actors in these areas that are capable of 
undermining the agreement. Both sides, anticipating future clashes, are 
spending increased resources to build up their militaries. It is not 
difficult to imagine a minor incident causing renewed fighting in these 
areas, which could quickly plunge the north and the south back into 
full-scale war. Such a scenario would not only be devastating for the 
Sudanese but could have dramatic repercussions for the wider region.
  With elections under the CPA scheduled for this year, 2009 may well 
be a watershed year for Sudan. The United States must renew and 
intensify its support for the implementation of the CPA as part of a 
comprehensive strategy for Sudan. We must continue to demonstrate, both 
in terms of our diplomacy and resources, a commitment to rebuild 
southern Sudan's institutions, and support the approaching elections. 
Simultaneously, we must work with our international partners to ensure 
that the UN Mission in Sudan, UNMIS, is doing all it can to monitor and 
keep the peace in Sudan's flashpoints. I am confident that the Obama 
administration understands the importance of implementing the CPA and 
will bring bold leadership and a holistic vision to peace efforts in 
Sudan.
  Finally, we cannot ignore how the continued violence and humanitarian 
crisis in Darfur is a deep stain on the vision of a peaceful Sudan. 
Efforts at peacebuilding in Sudan will prove futile without a workable 
political solution for Darfur. Too often in the past, we have made the 
mistake of focusing on one region of Sudan at the expense of others. 
This kind of piecemeal approach has proven limited, if not 
counterproductive at times. In this critical year ahead, we need a 
comprehensive approach that can pave the way for lasting peace and 
stability for all of Sudan. I look forward to working with my 
colleagues and the Obama administration to make that a reality.

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