[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 50 (Monday, December 18, 2006)]
[Page 2151]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.