    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [December 10, 2006]
    [Pages 2172-2173]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Situation in Darfur, Sudan
    December 10, 2006

        I send my greetings to those participating in events around the
    world protesting the situation in Darfur. It is only fitting that we
    take the time today to remember the value of every human life and the
    right of every person in the world to live in peace with dignity and
    respect.
        Our Nation is appalled by the genocide in Darfur, which has led to
    the spread of fighting and hostility in the Republic of Chad and the
    Central African Republic. We call on the Government of the Republic of
    Sudan and the rebel groups to cease fighting and pursue peace.
        We continue to work on establishing a credible and effective
    peacekeeping force to stop the violence in Darfur. To this end, we are
    aggressively engaging all stakeholders to implement U.N. Resolution 1706
    to transition the African Union Mission in Sudan to a strong
    international peacekeeping operation. We are urgently seeking to broaden
    support for the Darfur Peace Agreement and pressuring all sides to
    implement an immediate cease-fire. We will continue to work with the
    Congress, the United Nations, the African Union, and the international
    community to provide aid to

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    those who are suffering. The United States is committed to achieving
    stability, lasting peace, and the restoration of basic human rights for
    the people of Darfur.