    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [January 8, 2008]
    [Pages 46-47]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Peace Efforts in Sudan
    January 8, 2008

        Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of the signing of the
    comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan, which ended 21 years of civil
    war in that country. I am proud of the role the United States played in
    achieving that historic result. I remain committed to assisting both
    sides with the rigorous and complete implementation of all aspects of
    the agreement. While much progress has been made in forming a Government
    of National Unity, sharing wealth, and respecting a cessation of
    hostilities, many challenges remain to the agreement's full
    implementation. Every effort should be made to ensure that a nationwide
    census is immediately conducted to allow national elections to be held
    on time next year. The work of Sudan's border commission also must be
    reinvigorated, along with efforts to redeploy troops away from disputed
    border areas to reduce the chances of a return to violence. The
    comprehensive peace agreement laid the groundwork for lasting peace and
    unity for all of Sudan, and its vigorous application will continue to
    underpin U.S. involvement across Sudan.
        I have asked my new Special Envoy for Sudan, Ambassador Richard
    Williamson, to continue the United
    States strong involvement on north-south issues to help find solutions
    to these challenges. Ambassador Williamson is also charged with
    advancing efforts to end the violence in Darfur. I am deeply troubled
    that innocent civilians continue to fall victim to the scourge of
    Government and rebel-led attacks in

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    Darfur. I remain firmly committed to the rapid deployment of an
    effective peacekeeping force, coupled with serious political dialogue
    between the parties, to help end the crisis and the suffering of the
    innocent people of Darfur.