[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SUPPORTING IMPLEMENTATION OF PEACE AGREEMENT IN SUDAN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res.1588, 
concerning the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 
Sudan during and after the upcoming referenda. We are now less than 100 
days away from one of the most crucial dates in Sudan's recent history. 
On January 9th, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement will expire and the 
citizens of Sudan will have the opportunity to vote both on the 
referendum on self-determination for Southern Sudan and the referendum 
on whether Abyei will remain in the north or join the south. This 
resolution highlights the importance of these votes and the many 
challenges currently facing Sudan, from continued violence in Darfur to 
questions about resource allocation.
  We are concerned about the repeated lack of attention and focus 
placed on Sudan in the months leading up to the referenda. The 
Administration must engage further with the local groups and 
governments to ensure these votes are fair and free and that all 
citizens have the ability to determine their future. Many issues 
including borders, oil and revenue sharing, and right of return for 
refugees still need to be discussed in advance of the votes and 
resolved in a manner that satisfies the concerns of all of the groups 
involved. Even as the Comprehensive Peace Agreement expires, we must 
work to facilitate continued dialogue on these important issues.
  This is a critical time for the future of Sudan, and we must not put 
ourselves in a position where we look back in January and regret not 
taking action sooner. No matter the outcome of the referenda, we need 
to encourage the people of Sudan to continue to take positive steps 
towards a peaceful future. This resolution lays out our specific 
recommendations for how the Administration can encourage this outcome, 
and I hope you all will support it.

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