http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2009-11-20T23:01:01+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan.

On Tuesday, I participated in the ‘Ask U.S.’ live stream video question and answer session at the White House. Samantha Power, NSC Senior Director for Multilateral Affairs, and I answered questions posed to us by Jerry Fowler, the President of the Save Darfur Coalition, and Layla Amjadi, the Student Director of Stand (the student-led division of the Genocide Intervention Network). In the lead up to this event, the Save Darfur Coalition and STAND asked their members to both vote on which questions should be asked and to submit additional questions for consideration. We are eager to continue an active and robust dialogue with the advocacy community, and this unique event allowed us to engage directly with thousands of members of the Save Darfur Coalition and STAND.

The questions that Jerry and Layla posed touched upon a range of pressing concerns, inquiring about the administration's benchmarks for incentives and pressures, the circumstances in which internally displaced persons in Darfur might return home, the risks surrounding the 2010 elections in south Sudan, the importance of engaging China and Russia on the path forward, and the indispensability of including Sudanese civil society in the peace process. I found the exchange to be extremely useful and hope those who followed it online did as well.

You may watch the discussion on WhiteHouse.gov if you were not able to watch it live on Tuesday.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/engagement_sudan/ 2009-11-13T03:23:06+00:00 Submit Your Questions: Save Darfur Coalition | STAND: Genocide Intervention Network

About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan.

On October 19, Secretary Clinton, accompanied by Ambassador Rice and myself, released the Obama Administration’s new comprehensive strategy to confront the serious and urgent situation in Sudan. As mentioned in my past blog post, the strategy focuses on three major areas: ending the conflict in Darfur, implementing the North-South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), and ensuring that Sudan does not become a safe haven for terrorists.

This approach involves engaging with all stakeholders, in and out of Sudan, and calls for addressing the myriad set of issues facing Sudan in a coordinated and comprehensive way, based on verifiable progress on the ground.

Today, we continue this engagement and conversation in a new and unique way.

The Sudan advocacy community is extremely active and deeply committed to raising critical awareness about the situation in Sudan. The Obama Administration is eager to continue an active dialogue with the advocacy community, and as such the White House and the State Department are partnering with the Save Darfur Coalition and STAND, the student-led division of Genocide Intervention Network, to launch “Ask U.S.”

“Ask U.S.” is an effort to reach out to the advocacy communities and to solicit questions on the U.S. Sudan policy from activists deeply and passionately engaged on this critical issue. As part of the “Ask U.S.” campaign, the Save Darfur Coalition and STAND will collect questions from their members over the course of this week and weekend. Next Tuesday, November 10, leaders from these organizations will come to the White House and, in a live streamed video event, will pose selected questions to myself and Samantha Power, NSC Senior Director for Multilateral Affairs.

I would like to invite you to join the conversation and to watch the live stream at 3:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, November 10. Through the State Department page on Facebook you can watch as members of the advocacy community have their questions posed to us, and I also encourage you to participate by inviting your friends and family on Facebook to join in the chat as this conversation unfolds.

We look forward to opening up this dialogue, listening and learning and ultimately building ways that we can work together to support the Sudanese people in their quest for peace, security and prosperity.

The advocacy community has had a major impact by raising awareness about the situation in Sudan. By maintaining an open conversation and working together, we can make a real difference with real progress for the Sudanese people.

We hope you will join us.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/engaging_on_sudan_strategy/ 2009-11-04T19:20:03+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan.

I am currently in Sudan, where I am visiting Juba and Khartoum to hold discussions with representatives from the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Together, we are working to move forward on the outstanding issues of Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) implementation. It’s a difficult and lengthy process, but failure is not an option – both the national elections and the referendum on self-determination in Southern Sudan are only months, not years, away.

Besides holding meetings and discussions, I also had the chance to speak on All Saints Day (November 1st) at the All Saints Cathedral in Rejaf, Southern Sudan. I used the opportunity to share a bit about my background and to give a message of hope and peace to those in attendance. Peace, justice, and reconciliation require us all to work together toward to the same goal – this message is so important, and I tried to convey its urgency.

The only way we will able to achieve stability and a lasting peace in Sudan is by working to involve all those who have a stake in the process. This is why it is essential that we work to resolve the differences surrounding the national elections and the referendum. It is why it is critical that we ensure that the process is fair and credible and that the will of the people, as expressed through the national elections and the referendum, is respected.

Below you will find a condensed version of the remarks I delivered to the congregation in the All Saints Cathedral in Rejaf, Southern Sudan. As always, I want to thank you for your continued interest, Scott.

---

Remarks at All Saints Day, All Saints Cathedral
Rejaf, Southern Sudan
Sunday, November 1, 2009

I feel so very much at home in Africa. My parents came to Africa in 1952 as missionary teachers, and I lived in Africa in Congo, Uganda, and Kenya for almost twenty years in my youth. I lived for a long period in northeast Congo until severe conflict broke out following independence. The fighting and the violence forced my family and me to flee the country for safety.

After fleeing Congo in 1964, we became refugees. We lost all of our possessions, and we escaped with just our lives. My parents were forced to establish a new home; we had to start again. I still remember the pain and loss of that difficult experience, but it has helped me to understand in a very small way the suffering, pain, and loss many of you have experienced here in Sudan for decades.

In 1979, I went back to Uganda as Idi Amin was leaving and President Binaisa was coming to power. The Ugandan people had suffered so much, and I heard terrible stories of pain and loss. As I stand here in this church today, I am reminded of the shocking story one woman shared with me of how she escaped from a burning Catholic church that had been lit on fire by Idi Amin’s soldiers as the congregation worshipped inside.

The church has been instrumental in promoting reconciliation and restoration across Africa—not only in Uganda, but in places like South Africa and Congo. The church as a whole, and each one of you as individuals, can continue to play an instrumental role in bringing reconciliation and peace to Sudan.

Let us remember the prayer that Saint Francis of Assisi offered 800 years ago, "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, where there is hatred, pardon; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy." Be an instrument of peace. Register to vote, express your will, and do this in peace and for peace. Spread love, forgiveness, faith, hope, light, and joy as you register to vote and as you work to bring stability to this very special land. Thank you very much.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/instruments_peace/ 2009-11-03T00:00:24+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan.

Today marks the release of the much-anticipated report by the African Union’s (AU) High Level Panel on Darfur. The Panel, led by former President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, was convened earlier this year to examine the situation in Darfur and to come up with recommendations to address issues of accountability, combating impunity, and bringing about healing and reconciliation for the people of Darfur. I am attending a special session of AU Peace and Security Council in Abuja, Nigeria, where a number of African heads of state are reviewing the Panel’s findings.

We welcome the release of this report and applaud the efforts of the AU, President Mbeki, and his panel of experts. We will study the Panel’s results and recommendations closely. It is critical that we begin laying the groundwork for peace, justice, and reconciliation in Sudan. As articulated in the United States policy on Sudan, accountability for the genocide and atrocities in Darfur is fundamental and necessary for reconciliation and lasting peace. As such, we will continue to work with the AU, Darfuri armed movements, Darfuri civil society, the Government of Sudan, and the international community to address these critical issues and to bring peace, justice, and reconciliation to Sudan. We will also continue to be supportive of finding a way forward that is deemed credible and unbiased by the standards of international justice and that enjoys the confidence of the people of Darfur.

Thank you for your continued interest, Scott.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_peace/ 2009-10-29T21:34:19+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret.) Scott Gration currently serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan.

This morning Secretary Clinton announced the results of this Administration’s Sudan policy review, accompanied by Ambassador Rice and myself. The strategy is the result of months of serious and extensive deliberations and considerations of the complex challenges by the most senior levels of this Administration. It provides the integrated and comprehensive approach that the issues in Sudan require, and it is focused on achieving verifiable progress on the ground.

This strategy includes three primary strategic objectives: first, a definitive end to conflict, gross human rights abuses, and genocide in Darfur; second, implementation of the North-South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that results in a peaceful post-2011 Sudan, or an orderly path toward two separate and viable states at peace with each other; and third, ensuring that Sudan does not provide a safe haven for international terrorists.

To achieve these objectives, we are committed to using all levers of American influence. Fundamental to our approach is a policy of broad, deep engagement for lasting change on the ground . That includes engagement with the National Congress Party (NCP), the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Darfuri armed movements and civil society, as well as countries in the region and the broader international community.

Crucial to these efforts will be a frank dialog with the Government of Sudan about what needs to be accomplished, how the bilateral relationship can improve with verifiable improvements in conditions on the ground, and how strong pressures will be exerted on Sudan if conditions remain the same or worsen.

The situation is urgent. Time is short. Failure is not an option. The United States is committed to working for a sustainable, lasting peace in Darfur and full implementation of the North-South CPA. We are focused on verifiable progress on the ground. If you want to read more information about our new comprehensive strategy for Sudan, I encourage you to read Secretary President Obama’s statement Clinton’s remarks, and the public strategy document.

I thank you for your support, and encourage you to remain committed and involved on this critical issue. Thank you, Scott.

]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/strategy_sudan/ 2009-10-19T18:08:39+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration currently serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan.

I have just left Moscow for Tripoli, where we will be continuing efforts to build cohesion among key Darfuri armed movements in support of an anticipated relaunch of the Doha peace process later this month.

While in Moscow, I participated in a meeting of the “Envoy 6,” which is comprised of the envoys to Sudan from China, the European Union, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The meeting was highly productive. We discussed a range of issues regarding progress and challenges in Sudan, the need for further international commitment and coordination, and the importance of further efforts and stronger political commitment by all parties in Sudan to build lasting peace, stability and prosperity.

Below you will find the full text of the joint communiqué that was released after the E6 meeting.

I will be sure to let you know about the progress of our meetings in Tripoli with Darfuri armed movements to build unification. Thank you for your continued interest and dedication, Scott.

E6 JOINT COMMUNIQUE

“The Special Envoys for Sudan of China, the European Union, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (the E6) met in Moscow on 6 October 2009, under the chairmanship of Mikhail Margelov, Special Envoy for Sudan of the President of the Russian Federation.

The E6 reviewed developments in Sudan since their first meeting in Doha in May. They welcomed signs of progress, including over Abyei and towards full deployment of UNAMID, but noted the fundamental challenges remaining. They underlined the need for further efforts and stronger political commitment by all parties in Sudan to build lasting peace, stability and prosperity, and confirmed their readiness to support these efforts, and called on all regional and international partners to do the same.

The E6 particularly underlined the urgency of progress to further efforts for the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. They welcomed the work undertaken with the parties in this regard by U.S. Special Envoy Scott Gration, the Assessment and Evaluation Commission and the United Nations, and between the parties themselves. They urged the parties to reach agreement as soon as possible on arrangements for free and fair national elections in 2010 and the 2011 referendum, as well as on a work-plan to address issues of shared interest that will arise after 2011.

The E6 expressed their strong concern over current security and humanitarian challenges in South Sudan, and their readiness to support efforts by the authorities there to tackle these.

The E6 received an update on efforts by the UN/AU Joint Chief Mediator Djibril Bassole to engage with rebel factions and Darfuri civil society, as part of a broader effort to restart peace talks in Doha by the end of October. They strongly supported this objective. They called on the Government of Sudan to do everything possible to facilitate such efforts, and for all Darfuri leaders to engage urgently in the peace talks, including those based elsewhere in the region and in Europe. Any further delay would be unacceptable. They strongly supported the renewed efforts by all sides to ensure peaceful, cooperative relations across the region, particularly between Sudan and Chad, and to improve levels of humanitarian access and reduce insecurity. In this regard they welcomed the expansion of the High-level Committee on Darfur to allow participation by interested countries, the Arab League and the African Union.

The E6 looked forward to forthcoming report on Peace, Justice and Reconciliation in Darfur by the AU High-Level Panel led by former President Mbeki. They expressed their common hope that its recommendations, and follow-up action by all concerned in Sudan, could contribute positively to resolution of the complex challenges facing Darfur, Sudan as a whole and the region.

The E6 underlined the essential role of the United Nations and African Union, as well as other regional organizations and neighboring states, in supporting the parties to work through the urgent remaining challenges to peace. They called for particular attention in forthcoming international appointments to ensuring full coherence and coordination in UN/AU efforts, and for stronger and more concerted leadership at all levels.

The E6 resolved to meet again as necessary to exchange views on the situation in Sudan, and how they could work together and with others to support the parties to build peace.”

Stay connected: Receive Updates From Special Envoy Gration.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/meeting_envoy_six/ 2009-10-09T16:37:07+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration currently serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan.

Every year, representatives from around the world gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. It is a time for world leaders to coalesce around common challenges and common problems. It is a time for cooperation and dialog to address the most complex and vexing issues of our day, and it is an opportunity to galvanize international support during the times of crisis around the world.

Sudan is one of these issues, and now is one of those times. I am in New York now to continue ongoing discussions and to initiate new ones with representatives from countries across the globe. My main priorities while in New York are addressing CPA implementation and issues regarding Darfur. These are the two most critical issues facing Sudan. As I’ve said before—CPA is a priority, and Darfur is an urgency.

AGENDA

To give you a sense of the breadth, importance, and reach of the issue of Sudan, consider the range of some of the people we will be meeting with in New York this week: Chadian President Deby, Dutch Minister for International Development Koenders, Irish Foreign Minister Martin, Egyptian Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit, and others. Additionally, we will be participating in trilateral meetings with Egypt and Norway; a meeting of the Special Envoys from partner nations; a meeting of the Sudan Troika (U.S., UK, and Norway); a meeting with senior officials from NGOs operational in Sudan; and other discussions.

While in New York, I am also speaking at an event hosted by Save Darfur to unveil an exhibition of photographs of Darfur called “Darfur/Darfur.” The exhibit is a series of photographs of Darfur and its people that shows the true suffering that the people of Darfur have had to undergo for far too long.

GOALS

What do I hope to get out of these meetings and others at the UN?

First, I hope to galvanize international support for building peace and stability for Sudan. The United States has a critical role to play, but progress in Sudan requires the support and efforts of the wider international community.

Second, I hope to make real progress in securing support from our international partners on key initiatives regarding armed movement unification and CPA implementation. We need the support of our international partners if we are to make headway on either of these fronts.

It bears repeating, however, that it is the Government of Sudan, the Darfuri armed movements, the Government of Southern Sudan, and other Sudanese stakeholders who bear the final responsibility for bringing peace and stability to Sudan. The international community’s responsibility is to facilitate and to hold the parties in Sudan accountable for their actions.

Thank you for reading. We will be sure to let you know how these meetings go. Thanks again for your continued interest and support, Scott.

Stay connected: Receive Updates From Special Envoy Gration.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_united_nations/ 2009-09-23T20:02:19+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration currently serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan.

For too long, Darfur has been a place of human failing and despair. For too long, the people of Darfur have suffered. And for too long, they have lived without peace and security. I just returned from another trip to Darfur — my fourth. I went back to assess the current situation on the ground and to listen directly to the people living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The capacity of humanitarian aid workers to deliver life-saving assistance is making slow gains, Darfuri armed movements are beginning unification efforts, and UNAMID is gaining strength in terms of force deployment and in fulfilling its protection mandate.

We are also making progress on agreements and promises—with rebel groups as well as the Government. These are critical, but the proof lies in the pudding. What really matters is what the parties to these agreements do in implementation. We are at a crossroads. We are moving forward, but we need to stay diligent and focused on ensuring that the agreements are followed through. We will hold all parties accountable for their actions. We will help where we can, but ultimate responsibility lies with the parties in Sudan.

Since I just returned from this visit, I wanted to take a moment to share with you some of our observations. You can also take a look at my flickr photo album to see pictures from our trip album.

IDP Camps

My first stop was in the Abu Shouk camp, which is home to a staggering 54,000 people. I met with camp leaders from Abu Shouk, along with others from four nearby IDP camps. I stressed my long-held view that all IDP returns must be voluntary, at a time and to a location of peoples’ choosing, and only when sufficient security exists. I further clarified that I do not advocate the lifting of sanctions against the Government in Khartoum. Finally, I made clear that I have not called for Sudan to be removed from the list of state sponsors of terror. Despite their remoteness, camp residents remain particularly well plugged in to global debates on these issues. Regrettably, they have also been influenced by the politics of their leadership and by mischaracterizations of my statements. So while it is unfortunate that there was this need to set the record straight, I will continue to return to these camps and engage with the millions of people trapped in these humanitarian prisons. It is their lives we are all trying to change.

A particular source of inspiration on my trip was my visit to a women’s center in Abu Shouk that provides psychological support and skills training for victims of gender-based violence. While I was there, I saw the women weave baskets to sell and watched a demonstration of the use of new solar cookers that are reducing the need for these women to leave the safety of the camp to search for firewood. These gracious women also shared with me their specific concerns over security, health, and education. Women will play a central role in the future of Darfur, and we in this administration will work to help bring women in Darfur the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

I was also encouraged by a return visit to Zam Zam camp. I came to this camp five months ago, and coming back showed me that while humanitarian gaps still remain (and some new ones have opened) there have been significant improvements in health, water and sanitation, and food distribution. We need to continue to buttress these efforts with greater humanitarian capacity and access, but we are on the right path and are making positive steps. Meanwhile, I was discouraged to hear that many of the aid workers who had been promised complete freedom of movement and access by local government authorities, and agreement I helped to broker back in April, was not being fully respected. It’s unacceptable that this far into the crisis aid workers are still encountering the slightest resistance in carrying out their work. Regardless of the cause of this circumstance, I am pressing for its resolution at the highest levels.

UNAMID

In Darfur we also went to UNAMID’s headquarters, where we met with General Patrick Nyambumba, the UNAMID Force Commander, and Mohamed Yonis, the Deputy Joint Special Representative for UNAMID, both of whom have both been appointed within the last two weeks. UNAMID confirmed that the current conflict in Darfur largely hinges around the lack of local law enforcement, which has resulted in an unacceptable number of kidnappings, carjackings, along with generalized banditry. . Despite major challenges ahead, I am encouraged by the prospects for more robust peacekeeping in the coming months as needed personnel and equipment arrive. I have been told by my UN colleagues that by the end of the year, it is expected that 85% of the force will be deployed. As we reach a critical mass of troops, it will be essential to translate those numbers into a more effective security force that can begin to change the fundamental dynamics on the ground.

Ain Siro

In addition to the IDP camps, I also traveled to Ain Siro, a small village in North Darfur. It is a place that has largely been unaffected by the conflict, and it showed me how life in Darfur used to be. The armed movement commanders I met there expressed their willingness to unify and engage in the peace process. I have said it before, but it really is crucial that we work towards armed movement unification if we hope to have a successful and sustainable peace in Darfur. In these coming weeks my team will be stepping up these efforts, along with a parallel outreach towards civil society, in the hope that we can relaunch formal talks with the government before the end of October.

Next Steps

Darfur is at a critical crossroads. Armed movements can join together at the peace table, or they can remain fractured; civil society can remain in the shadows of the peace process, or we can make them a centerpiece of peace negotiations; humanitarian efforts can shift from emergency response to sustainable development, or IDPs can remain dependent on NGOs and without local capacity; local law enforcement can step up to provide the security needed to protect civilians, or lawlessness and banditry can continue to reign.

The United States will play a central role in setting the right course, but the responsibility for peace and security ultimately lies with the Government of Sudan and its people.

As always, thank you for your continued interest and dedication, Scott.

Stay connected: Receive Updates From Special Envoy Gration.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_crossroads/ 2009-09-18T18:29:19+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration currently serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan.

This week I’ll be headed out on another trip to Sudan. We made very good progress on my last trip with real steps toward unification of Darfuri armed movements and CPA implementation — in the form of a strong bilateral agreement we facilitated between the NCP and SPLM.

I will be posting updates during my next trip, and I will upload pictures to my new Flickr account once I return. You can see pictures from my previous trip here.

On this trip, we are heading to several locations within Sudan, including Juba, Boma, Darfur, and Khartoum. Before we leave, we want to give you an overview of the two major focal points of my trip: trilateral discussions in Juba and an important visit to Darfur.

First, we will travel to Juba in Southern Sudan to facilitate discussions between the SPLM, and NCP. Though we have made advances with the bilateral agreement, we still have a ways to go for full CPA implementation. In this fourth round of trilateral discussions, we will concentrate on finding a path forward on the two remaining unresolved sticking points for full CPA implementation: a decision on the use of census results and an agreement on the technical provisions regarding the 2011 referenda on Southern self-determination. These are fundamental issues that must be resolved soon.

Another focal point of our trip will be in Darfur. We will be going to the Abu Shouk Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp to assess the current humanitarian and security situation. We will also be headed back to the Zam Zam IDP camp, where we previously visited right after the March 2009 NGO expulsions. Our goal is to assess the humanitarian situation in both camps and to monitor the progress made since the NGO expulsions. It is essential that we obtain full access for humanitarian and aid groups to these camps.

We will also be engaging with women leaders in these camps about the state of gender-based violence and examining the programs that are currently addressing this dire problem. Right now, women cannot gather water or travel alone without fear, and we are resolved to do everything we can to end gender and sexual violence.

While in Darfur, we will also travel to El Fasher. There we will meet with the new UNAMID Force Commander, General Patrick Nyambumba. I am eager to discuss ways we can work together to increase UNAMID’s strength and capacity. They have a really crucial role to play in bringing peace and maintaining stability in Darfur.

Next, we’ll head to Ain Siro, Darfur, a village in north Darfur, where we will meet with leaders from civil society. It is vital that we promote a strong voice for Darfuri civil society in the peace process.

Finally, we will stop in Khartoum, where I will meet with former African heads of state Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Abdusalam Abukakar of Nigeria, and Pierre Buyoya of Burundi. The African Union’s High Panel on Darfur (AUPD), chaired by President Mbeki, and the Arab League is set to release a report to the public on 15 September 2009 on issues of justice, accountability, stability, and development in Darfur. We are anxious to find out what they have learned.

We look forward to an eventful trip, and we promise to keep you abreast of developments. As always, thank you so much for your dedication and involvement, Scott.

Stay connected: Receive Updates From Special Envoy Gration.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/back_to_sudan/ 2009-09-08T21:15:55+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration currently serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan. (August 25, 2009)

I just returned from my trip to Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt, and I am very happy to report on two steps towards real progress we were able to achieve. I already wrote about the first positive development, the initialing of the bilateral agreement between the SPLM and NCP to further implementation of the CPA. I want now to let you know about the second achievement of the trip.

This Saturday I was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to meet with leadership from four key Darfuri armed movements [Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM)/Unity, SLM/Abdel Shafie, SLM/Abdel Wahid leadership, and the United Resistance Front (URF)] to build cohesion and unification in support of the Doha peace process. After many fruitful and engaging discussions, these groups have signed an agreement to unify politically, begin steps towards establishing a unified position, and return to the Doha peace process with one approach and one voice. This is very good news, and it is the largest step towards unification of Darfuri armed movements since 2005.

It is very unfortunate that Abdel Wahid al Nur distanced himself from the decision of his field commanders who signed the agreement in Addis. We will continue to make every effort to include Abdel Wahid in the peace process, but it is up to him to make a positive difference for the people of Darfur or to sit on the sidelines in Paris. I hope he will choose the former. This issue is bigger than individuals. This is about ensuring that the will of the people of Darfur is carried out in a process that can make a difference and achieve peace.

To achieve peace in Darfur, we need as broad and inclusive a peace process as possible. To do this we need a unified voice for Darfuri armed movements. This agreement brings us one step closer to this and to peace in Darfur. Though this is a very positive development, it is important to remember that broader unification and the inclusion of civil society as a voice in the peace process are still needed. That is why, despite progress, we have no time to spare and no time to hesitate. I will be headed back to Sudan in just a few short weeks to resume trilateral discussions with the NCP and SPLM. I will continue to meet with all Darfuri armed movements willing to talk with the goal of broader unification. I will continue to look for ways to include civil society in the peace process. I will work to include, cooperate, and engage with the advocacy and NGO communities to ensure that our efforts are known and are in support of our common objectives.

Stay tuned for more updates. Thank you, Scott.

Stay connected: Receive Updates From Special Envoy Gration.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_come_together/ 2009-08-29T16:35:55+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration currently serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan. (August 21, 2009)

Earlier, I wrote about the unique opportunity we have to work together to achieve real progress in Sudan. I am currently on a trip to Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt to take next steps in the process of implementing the CPA and advancing peace in Darfur. I am writing to you now from Khartoum, where I just arrived after spending the first several days of my trip in Southern Sudan. We're happy to report that we have already made significant progress. Yesterday, I served as witness to the initialing of an important bilateral agreement between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the National Congress Party (NCP).

After several months of ongoing discussions mediated by the United States in Washington and in Sudan, the two parties have reached agreement on ten of the remaining twelve issues standing in the way of full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Points of agreement include:

• Abyei: The parties agree to immediately implement the Abyei Tribunal decision and to demarcate the Abyei boundary as determined by the Tribunal decision.
• Border Demarcation: The parties agree to demarcate the North-South boundary line by 30 September 2009, in accordance with CPA provisions and timelines.
• Security: The Government of National Unity (GoNU) will avail resources for Joint Integrated Units (JIUs) as called for in the CPA.
• Wealth Sharing: The parties will ask the GoNU to request the International Monetary Fund to review the implementation of the two banking systems under one central bank, as called for in the CPA, The GoNU will transfer the full share of oil revenue to the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) in a timely manner as authorized in the CPA.
• Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan: The parties agree that there is a role for both the national government and the state governments in the popular consultations to be held in these states.
• Elections: The parties commit to conducting free and credible elections in April 2010, the date agreed on by the National Election Commission.
• Democratic Transformation: The parties agree to identify laws that are potentially inconsistent with the CPA for review by the parties by 15 September 2009.
• Making Unity Attractive: The parties agree to begin the national reconciliation process as called for in the CPA and Presidential Decree and Directives issued on 27 December 2007.
• National Competencies: The GoNU and GoSS and the states will operate within their areas of competency, as outlined in the CPA, and affect any agreements made by the Political-Executive Committee.
• Darfur: The parties agree that the conflict in Darfur is a political problem and of national concern, and both are committed to redoubling efforts within the GoNU to resolve the conflict.

The two outstanding issues that remain unresolved are the census and the referendum. We will return to Sudan for additional discussions on these points in September. These are difficult issues, and we look forward to seeking your advice and support upon my return from this visit.

On Friday, I will travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to meet with key Darfuri armed movements to build cohesion and unification in support of the Doha peace process. We are very optimistic about the opportunity to achieve real progress, and I am eager to update you on what we are able to achieve there.

Thank you for your continued interest and dedication, Scott

Stay connected: Receive Updates From Special Envoy Gration.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_progress/ 2009-08-28T18:46:55+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration currently serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan. (August 14, 2009)

During the days of sailing ships, vessels had to wait for the tide to rise to a certain level before they were able to sail into port. Once the tide reached the ideal point and the winds were right, a ship would to seize the moment to sail into port. This process is referred to in Latin as “Ob Portu,” and this is where word “opportunity” comes from.

We have all been working very hard to bring peace and stability to Sudan – to strive toward the full implementation of the CPA and to bring peace to Darfur. But the issues require more than just hard work; they require coordination, diligence, skill, and a generous dollop of fortune. I see the tide rising, and I think there is a unique opportunity for progress in Sudan now. This is why we need all hands on deck, and why we need to work cooperatively and collaboratively towards the common goals we all share to bring peace, stability, prosperity, and justice to Sudan. It is in this spirit of renewed cooperation that we convened a meeting at the White House with leaders from many of the organizations in the advocacy and NGO communities. I know there have been miscommunications in the past, but that’s all the more reason why we need to work more closely together. We will be asking for advice and help from the advocacy and NGO communities. My staff will be reaching out to those organizations fighting for the same goals we all share, and we are working on ways to keep the huge community that cares about Sudan better informed about what we are doing and about the evolving developments in Sudan.

I am leaving on my seventh trip this Sunday to travel to Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The most important objective of this visit will be to secure and bear witness to the signing of the bilateral agreement between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the National Congress Party (NCP) by First Vice President Salva Kiir, representing the SPLM, and Second Vice President Ali Osman Taha, representing the NCP. This is a major agreement that goes a long way towards furthering the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) by resolving many of the remaining issues and roadblocks, currently standing in the way of full CPA implementation. We will also be continuing bilateral meetings with both the SPLM and NCP, and I will be traveling to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to resume talks with Darfuri armed movements on building cohesion and unification in support of the Doha peace process. Finally, I am heading to Cairo, where we will meet with key regional partners, Egypt and Libya, together with the Sudanese, to coordinate efforts to advance the Darfur peace process and improve regional security. We will be emailing you updates during my trip to let you know what we are learning and what we are accomplishing.

We have a moment of great opportunity. It is time for all of us who care deeply about the future of Sudan to work together to seize this moment. The opportunity of the present may not come again, and we will be left out at sea, if we don’t act now. With the elections and referenda coming up on us quickly, we do not have time to hesitate or equivocate. We must work together and speak with one voice in favor of peace, stability, prosperity, and justice for the people of Sudan.

We look forward to exploring new avenues of cooperation with you and with the community of activists, NGOs, Sudanese living in the Diaspora, and others who care so deeply about bringing peace and stability to Sudan.

Thank you for your continued interest and dedication, Scott.

Stay connected: Receive Updates From Special Envoy Gration.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_ob_portu/ 2009-08-27T04:02:55+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration currently serves as the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan. (August 10, 2009)

In the 1950s, journalist Edward R. Murrow hosted a radio show titled “This I Believe” that invited Americans to record essays that shared their core beliefs with listeners across the country. The essayists, ranging from heads of state to cab drivers, used the opportunity to tackle difficult topics and to offer “the guiding principles by which they lived.”

As the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan, I have been charged with the awesome responsibility of working to improve the political, humanitarian, and economic challenges confronting the people of Sudan. For the past six months, I have been working incredibly hard and logging a lot of miles to understand this dire and desperate situation better and to chart a course for moving forward. I understand that for the community of people who care deeply about this issue time is of the essence and much is at stake. I want to give you the clearest sense of where I am coming from and what my core beliefs are on the best approach to untangle the complex, varied, and nuanced set of issues facing Sudan.

I learned to walk and talk in Africa; my first words were in Swahili, not English. A passion for Africa and African people runs through my veins. I also know firsthand the personal toll of war and what it means to be displaced. Growing up, my family was evacuated three times from our home in the Congo, and we became refugees. I embrace those experiences and they inform my current efforts.

I believe that the road to peace in Sudan runs through Darfur. The atrocities that have taken place in Darfur are a crime against the world that must be resolved. We are working aggressively to reverse the ongoing consequences of genocide in Darfur. Though the incidence of violent deaths has improved dramatically since 2005, the situation remains dangerous and dire. Civilians remain vulnerable, living conditions are unacceptable, and the displaced remain unable to return home in security.

For those who are concerned that we are seeking the untimely return of IDPs, I assure you that that is not the case. I share the same concerns about the idea of having the more than 2.5 million people living in IDP camps attempt returns in an insecure and uncoordinated fashion. We will never abandon or seek to endanger IDPs. Our task for now is to begin the work to create conditions that are conducive for their eventual safe return, including access to food and safe water, addressing land rights, protection of human rights, and freedom from gender-based violence. We are working closely with the African Union/United Nations joint chief mediator, Djibril Bassolé to unify the disparate rebel groups in Darfur so that they can speak with one voice to participate in the peace process. I also believe that IDPs must have a clear voice as their perspectives and solutions become part of this process.

As important as it is to address the issue of Darfur, I believe that we equally dedicate all available resources to achieving full implementation of the CPA. In the next two years, Sudan will face both national elections and two referenda. An unsuccessful and marred election could contribute to significant unrest and instability in a state bordering nine other countries and even incite renewed conflict. In the last few months, we have initiated trilateral talks with the parties to the CPA and have developed an implementation strategy. These talks are ongoing and we are holding all parties accountable for their commitments. We are determined to create the conditions for a peaceful process and post-referendum period whether the result is a single, stable, and unified Sudan or a Sudan that divides into two separate states.

Our work on implementing the CPA is complemented by our efforts to address the pressing needs of Southern Sudan. The South needs urgent attention and assistance in building its infrastructure and promoting development before the referendum in 2011. While the current U.S. sanctions against the government in Khartoum explicitly exclude Southern Sudan, in practical terms they do not.

Large equipment needed for infrastructure or economic development in the South must go through Port Sudan and/or Khartoum in the North, which makes these necessary investments for the South subject to our sanctions. “Smart,” targeted sanctions are absolutely necessary and desirable against key components of the government in Khartoum. I want to be clear. These sanctions should not be lifted.

However, I believe that we must consider specific exceptions or selective rollbacks to facilitate development in the South and fully implement the CPA. We need more flexibility to achieve our desired results, which are: pressuring the North, developing the South, and incentivizing good behavior on all sides.

I believe that we cannot hope to achieve these results and a lasting peace if we only engage with those we already agree with. We must work to mediate and work with all stakeholders—Khartoum, Juba, rebel groups, Chad, civil society, and the international community. It is important to recognize the stated position of the U.S. government on President Al-Bashir. We hold him responsible for the actions of his government and recognize that the justice process is moving forward. I have not met and have no plans to meet with President Al-Bashir.

As we continue moving forward, I will need the support and engagement of the entire community that is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing Sudan. We all have to work together and to be on the same team. Let us continue to exchange our best ideas in support of our important mission.

Thank you for your continued interest and dedication, Scott.

Stay connected: Receive Updates From Special Envoy Gration.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/this_i_believe/ 2009-08-27T03:32:55+00:00 Deputy Secretary Steinberg's Remarks | Participants' Statement

About the Author: General Scott Gration serves as U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan.

We stand at a critical time in Sudan’s history. It has been four years since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended the longest running civil war in Africa. We only have 164 days until historic national elections in February 2010 and only 403 days until the January 2011 referendum on self-determination for South Sudan. Meanwhile, a final decision on the Abyei border region remains outstanding. Before elections occur, though, it is vitally important to address the parts of the CPA that have not yet been implemented or that have fallen short. It is for all these reasons that I convened the “Forum for Supporters of the CPA” -- to refocus and revitalize the international community’s commitment to tackling the challenges of further CPA implementation and to strengthen support for it. This effort brought together representatives from 33 countries and international organizations, including delegations from the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

The goal of the forum was to take a comprehensive look at all the outstanding issues and to build consensus around resolving those highest priority issues that currently impede the full implementation of the CPA. In this spirit, I invited all key stakeholders to Washington to participate and weigh in on ways we can collectively help support this crucial enterprise. I also convened a Special Envoys Council, consisting of Sudan envoys from around the world, to highlight and identify the challenges and roadblocks facing the CPA along with broader issues of peace and stability across Sudan. I then participated in an NGO forum to elicit feedback and ideas from the humanitarian, advocacy and civil society communities on how government efforts and private efforts can support each other. Finally, I convened three working groups to build on the discussions from the general session of the conference. These working groups focused on the three most critical areas facing implementation of the CPA: governance, security, and economic issues, and in the days and weeks ahead will produce a series of concrete steps and recommendations that the international community, along with the parties, can take to accelerate CPA implementation.

I am proud to say that the conference was a huge success! We were able to identify and address both achievements and shortcomings of the international community’s role in the implementation of the CPA, and we had productive discussions with the delegations from the NCP and SPLM on how we can work together to ensure better implementation of the remaining elements of the CPA. By assisting the parties in Sudan, the United States and its international partners can help create the environment necessary for historic elections next year. By working together, we can pave the way for a stable, secure, and prosperous Sudan. Thank you for your continued support.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_forum_cpa/ 2009-06-26T21:33:23+00:00