http://blogs.state.gov/sgwi U.S. Department of State en U.S. Department of State 2010-11-23T20:26:29+00:002010-11-17T04:19:29+00:002010-11-16T19:04:45+00:002010-11-03T16:20:46+00:002010-10-22T17:54:10+00:002010-10-13T11:21:39+00:002010-09-28T19:50:29+00:002010-09-24T22:31:11+00:002010-09-15T20:51:03+00:002010-09-14T20:23:02+00:002010-09-02T11:14:41+00:002010-07-26T21:30:37+00:002010-07-10T14:00:36+00:002010-05-13T01:54:36+00:002010-05-05T21:30:11+00:002010-04-30T20:41:29+00:002010-04-19T21:58:57+00:002010-03-25T19:49:19+00:002010-03-08T20:31:06+00:002010-01-27T17:22:20+00:002010-01-14T13:41:48+00:002010-01-09T04:09:18+00:002010-01-01T18:01:54+00:00
Mr. Hammink said, "As you may know, the referendum is a key provision of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the CPA, which ended the long and deadly North-South civil war. Since the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement signed that agreement, the U.S. government has provided assistance to the two parties to help implement the various provisions of the CPA as part of our broad goal to maintain peace between the North and the South. This has included assistance in conducting a national census, multiparty national elections -- which took place last April -- popular consultation processes in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states, which are in the preparation phase, and now this referendum, which will allow the people of Southern Sudan to choose to remain part of the unified Sudan or to secede and form an independent nation.

"One thing that is very important to stress is that the referendum is a Sudanese-led process. The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, the SSRC, is the official Sudanese body in charge of implementing the referendum. SSRC Chairman Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil is ably leading the SSRC under challenging conditions of a very short timeline for the steps that have taken place so far and the steps that remain to hold the referendum on time beginning January 9. The timeline is short because we are nearing the end of the CPA interim period. The CPA is set to expire July 9, 2011, and the CPA calls for the referendum to take place six months prior to that end date.

"USAID is supporting the SSRC in Khartoum and its bureau in Juba, the Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau -- or SSRB -- in three ways: One, providing technical and material assistance to the SSRC and SSRB to enable them to prepare for, administer, and oversee the referendum process, including providing office space and equipment, voter registration, books and cards, training manuals, and polling kits.

"Two, support for civic participation, including voter education, assistance to local media, reporting on the referendum, and assistance to domestic organizations that are observing the process.

"And three, funding international independent observers. Crucial to USAID's success in moving referendum preparations forward has been its ability to develop close working partnerships, both directly and through its implementation partners with the Sudanese referendum authorities, civil society organizations, and the broader constituency of stakeholders in this historic process, including, of course, the United Nations and other donors.

"...The SSRC and the International Organization for Migration, the IOM, which are working together to organize out-of-country voting in accordance with the Southern Sudan Referendum Act of 2009, have been in discussions about ensuring that Southern Sudanese in the United States have access to registration sites. Out-of-country voting was delayed in Egypt, but we understand that registration in Egypt may begin soon. Registration is scheduled to end December 1, after which the SSRC will publish a preliminary register of voters and then hear objections to the register. The final register of voters will be published on January 4. Then voting is scheduled to take place January 9 to 15.

"We will continue to provide assistance throughout this process, supporting the SSRC and SSRB, to implement a peaceful, on-time referendum that reflects the will of the Southern Sudanese people. We are continuing to educate communities and voters about the process, to assist local media reporting on the process, to support Sudanese organizations observing the process, and to support independent, international observation."

A full transcript of Mr. Hammink's statement is available here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/usg_officials_briefing_southern_sudan/ 2010-11-23T20:26:29+00:00 About the Author: Ambassador Barrie Walkley serves as the U.S. Consul General in Juba, Sudan.

Early Monday morning, I was present as Salva Kiir Mayardit, First Vice President of Sudan, registered to vote in the Southern Sudan referendum. The crowd's excitement was tangible as Vice President Kiir arrived at the voter registration center next to the John Garang mausoleum in Juba, presented the required identification document, and received his voter registration card. President Kiir received cheers from the assembled crowd when he held up his finger, stained with purple ink, to prove that he had registered.

Later in the day, I accompanied Justice Chan Reec Madut, Chairman of the Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau, on a visit to Torit, Eastern Equatoria, to observe the process there on the first day of registration. We stopped at several registration centers, including one in a predominantly Muslim area of town. The population in Torit, as elsewhere in southern Sudan, was in general excited about registering for the referendum, with a large crowd and assorted groups of traditional dancers gathered outside the local registration committee offices. The mood at all centers visited, however, was one of calm and order. The Governor of Eastern Equatoria told Justice Chan that freedom of speech is being protected and that opposing points of view -- for unity or for separation -- are being allowed full expression.

In the next few weeks, more than 5 million people may register to participate in the Southern Sudan referendum. More than 2,500 registration centers in Southern Sudan expect to register as many as 4,795,995 voters. In the North, 165 centers will receive an estimated 274,064 voters. Around the world, 209 registration locations in eight locations outside of Sudan will register as approximately 352,725 people using materials procured by the United Nations Development Programme and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems with the financial support of the U.S. Agency for International Development. The hard work of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, the CPA parties, and the international community has been vital to this effort.

The international community is hard at work monitoring the voter registration process. With USAID funding, the Sudanese Network for Democratic Elections (SuNDE) will deploy 500 observers in the South during voter registration, and the Sudanese Group for Democracy and Elections (SuGDE) will deploy 200 observers in the North. USAID's partner for international observation, the Carter Center, has had long-term observers on the ground in Sudan since September, and more international observers will arrive this week.

The start of voter registration for the Southern Sudan referendum is an important milestone for the CPA parties, and a major step toward full implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The start of voter registration moves the parties closer to meeting their shared commitment of conducting a peaceful, on-time referendum that reflects the will of the people of Southern Sudan.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/voter_registration_southern_sudan_referendum/ 2010-11-17T04:19:29+00:00
"...In the next 55 days, the Government of Sudan can ensure a brighter future, one that does offer peace, opportunity, and hope. But there is a huge amount of work to be done in these next 55 days. And I agree completely with Minister Karti and with Mr. Amum; each member state must do its utmost to help. None of us should look back and wish we had done more. As President Obama has said, although no outsider can dictate events on the ground in Sudan, it is up to the political leaders and the people of Sudan whether they will choose peace or confrontation. But it is up to all of us to help them not only make the right choice but then to implement it to the benefit of all their people.

"It was particularly heartening last week to see the defense ministers from Khartoum and Juba hold a rare joint press conference to say that no matter what differences and disputes might arise from the referendum process, they will be resolved through political dialogue. The minister said, and I quote, 'There will be no return to war.' And we all fervently hope that is the case.

"But to fulfill that promise, the North and South must promptly forge agreements on the crucial issues that will arise in 2011: oil revenue distribution, border demarcation, international treaties, security arrangements, citizenship rights, and the protection of vulnerable civilians, including Southerners in the North and Northerners in the South. The fate of 44 million Sudanese depends on their leaders' willingness to work together to resolve these issues.

"Most urgently, the parties must make the tough compromises necessary to settle the status of Abyei. They must find a way forward that both upholds the rights of the Ngok Dinka and the other residents of Abyei as well as the nomadic peoples like the Misseriya who regularly pass through the area. And they must do so promptly because preparations for the referendum on Abyei have fallen behind schedule and tensions will continue to rise.

"The Comprehensive Peace Agreement agreed to by both parties calls for this referendum. It also states that the parties themselves can agree to change it. However, unless the parties reach a mutual agreement that is acceptable to all the people of Abyei, the United States and the international community will continue to hold them to their commitment to an on-time referendum, as promised in the CPA.

"But even as we focus on the future of Southern Sudan, Abyei, and all of Sudan, we remain deeply concerned about Darfur. Violence is intensifying, human rights violations continue, arms flow despite the embargo, journalists and activists are arrested -- some merely for speaking to members of this Security Council -- UN peacekeepers are kidnapped. This is all unacceptable.

"The United States stands ready to work with the Council to support peace efforts in Darfur and we call on all parties to participate in the Doha talks without delay or preconditions. We urge the government not to target civilians or use proxy militia or support the Janjaweed and other irregular forces, or prevent freedom of movement of UN personnel and aid workers. In Darfur and elsewhere, the Government of Sudan must live up to its international obligations to respect human rights; to allow humanitarian assistance; to protect civilians, including victims of sexual violence; to ensure that refugees and internally displaced people can return in safety and with dignity; and to bring those responsible for atrocities to justice.

"...Now, as we plan this effort, it is essential to include women. It's unusual that I'm the only woman at the table for the Security Council, so speaking on behalf of all women, let me just say that women are critical to every step of building, negotiating, and keeping the peace in Sudan. Lasting peace and prosperity will not be achieved if half the population is excluded from that process. In country after country, as we discussed with the implementation of Resolution 1325, we have seen that the underlying issues that cause conflicts are more likely to recur and less likely to be resolved if women are not involved at the peace table. In both the North and the South, we certainly hope that women will be brought in to the highest levels of government.

"...To demonstrate our commitment to improving U.S.-Sudanese relations, the United States has already taken two steps. First, we have changed our policies to ease the sale of agricultural and irrigation equipment to Sudan, which will boost food production and decrease the need for international food aid. Second, to help Sudan's economy grow, the United States has supported the creation of a group to work on ways to ease Sudan's national debt, consistent with international debt relief practices.

"Now, these are steps we've already taken, but we are prepared to do much more. If the Government of Sudan fulfills the CPA, if it resolves the future of Abyei, if it holds Southern Sudan's referendum on January 9th and then recognizes the will of the Sudanese people in the South, then the United States is prepared to begin the process of withdrawing Sudan from our list of state sponsors of terrorism. This would be done in accordance with our laws on terrorism. If the Government of Sudan commits to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Darfur and takes other steps toward peace and accountability, the Obama Administration is prepared to offer Sudan a path to the ending of U.S. sanctions, working toward international debt relief, increasing trade and investment, and forging a mutually beneficial relationship.

"We are well aware that it takes not only skill, but courage for Sudan's leaders in both the North and the South to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to promote dignity and human rights, to ease suffering and work toward a durable peace, and to include in that peace Darfur. But the world will stand with both of you if you can and do take these steps. We think that the path to peace and prosperity, to good neighborliness, to partnership and cooperation for all Sudanese is clear. It is up to the Government of Sudan, it is up to the SPLM in the South to decide whether to walk that path. If it does, the United States stands ready to assist you and, most importantly, to assist the next generation of Sudanese children so that they can have a future without war and conflict."

You can read the full transcript here.
More information about advance preparations for the referendum is available here.


]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/clinton_unsc_sudan/ 2010-11-16T19:04:45+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan.

Greetings from Khartoum! With January 9, 2011 fast approaching, last week I returned to Sudan to urge the parties to make progress on arrangements to ensure a peaceful future for the Sudanese people.

While much work remains, the arrival of referendum materials in Sudan last week was a step forward in preparations for the vote on January 9. I had the pleasure of participating in a ceremony on Friday where international partners formally presented referendum materials to Sudanese officials. The materials were procured by the United Nations Development Programme and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems with the financial support of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

During the weekend I had a productive conversation with Southern Sudan Referendum Commission Chairman Khalil on the status of preparations for the Southern Sudan referendum. Progress continues to be made. The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission has finalized its timeline, which will allow voter registration to begin on November 15 and the referendum to take place on January 9. And the parties continue to discuss how to resolve the Abyei issue in the context of a broader dialogue.

This week, our team also continues to work with President Thabo Mbeki, Chairman of the AU High Level Implementation Panel, who is facilitating the discussions between the parties. We are encouraged that the parties are engaging bilaterally and with Chairman Mbeki, as they work to resolve outstanding issues of the CPA and develop arrangements for their relationship after the CPA interim period ends in July 2011.

In the lead-up to the referendum, we will provide weekly updates on the parties' progress. I encourage you to visit our webpage for more details.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/referendum_materials_sudan/ 2010-11-03T16:20:46+00:00
He said, "with just 79 days remaining until January 9th -- that's the day when the Southern Sudanese are scheduled to hold the referendum on self-determination -- there is just no more time to waste. Between now and the start of registration in mid-November, the Southern Sudanese Referendum Commission must finalize voter registration procedures, it must hire and train and deploy over 10,000 registration workers. The voter registration materials, which should be delivered into Sudan in the next few days, must be distributed to all the registration sites. In addition, domestic and international monitors must be positioned to oversee this process, to guard against manipulation.

"At the same time, the parties have to resolve other CPA issues: border demarcation and Abyei. The Abyei referendum has been a big challenge for both parties. While it is still scheduled to take place on the 9th of January, the parties have so far been unable to agree on who should be eligible to vote in this referendum. To help resolve this problem, the parties asked the United States to facilitate talks on Abyei for two days in New York in late September. These talks continued for another nine days in Addis Ababa in early October.

"During these negotiations, the parties reached consensus on a number of important issues but ultimately concluded that the Abyei issue would have to be decided as part of a broader set of issues that include all the unresolved CPA and post-CPA issues. The next round of talks is scheduled to begin at the end of this month in Ethiopia and they'll be convened by President Thabo Mbeki, the chairman of the African Union's High-Level Implementation Panel.

"The CPA parties have expressed a strong desire for the United States to participate in these talks, and we will be there. With time running out, the parties must make a strategic commitment to work together to avoid war, to achieve a lasting peace. The parties must be prepared to come to Addis with an attitude of compromise to reach a final agreement on these remaining tough issues. The entire world is watching and will make judgments based on how the parties approach these talks, on how they act in the next couple months. We urge both the NCP and the SPLM to take necessary efforts to cooperate and to demonstrate good faith.

"Specifically, we'll be watching the Government of Sudan to ensure they transfer necessary funds to the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, that they grant required visas to international monitors and aid workers, that they protect the Southerners who are now living in the North. President Obama is serious about moving toward better relations with Sudan. We have presented both parties with the steps that we are prepared to take in response to concrete achievements both in CPA implementation and in Darfur. These steps include shifting our licensing regulations to allow more trade and investment in Sudan, exchanging ambassadors, supporting debt relief, and ultimately removing the foreign assistance restrictions and lifting economic sanctions.

"Getting to full normalization will require not only progress on the CPA, but also in the comprehensive peace agreement in Darfur. The President is equally committed to ending the conflict in Darfur as he is to full implementation of the CPA. We continue to support the Doha process by our involvement there and we continue to support the efforts of UN peacekeepers and the international humanitarian organizations as they seek to improve security and living conditions for those in Darfur. We call upon all the armed movements, including those that are now absent from Doha, to engage in a peaceful negotiation. There can be no peace in Sudan without peace in Darfur.

"As you can see, much remains to be done in the next few months by both parties, but the United States is committed to helping Sudan achieve a lasting peace, to helping Sudan get that stable and secure and prosperous future that the Sudanese people need and that they deserve."

You can click here for a chart showing the status of progress for the referendum. The full transcript is available here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/gration_fpc_referenda/ 2010-10-22T17:54:10+00:00 About the Author: Angela Stephens serves as an Information Officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Most U.S. food assistance to Sudan is "in-kind" aid -- food that is grown by farmers in the United States, purchased on the open market, then shipped to Sudan. Voucher programs, on the other hand, offer an alternative and complementary approach that gives families access to foods they are already familiar with and boosts local economic activity. Recently, USAID awarded its first grant for a food voucher program in Sudan, a landmark initiative that will nourish hungry families by lowering the cost of life-saving foods already available in local markets.

This grant, awarded to the World Food Program (WFP), provides more than $2.25 million for food vouchers that will be distributed to 129,000 people affected by drought in North Kordofan and North Darfur through the end of the year. Using vouchers worth $8 to $20, families can select a minimum of three food items from approved merchants, alleviating some of the hardship brought on by seasonal drought.

Overall in 2010, USAID has provided $404 million in food aid to 6.1 million food-insecure people in Sudan.

Editor's Note: This entry also appears on USAID's Impact Blog.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/usaid_food_voucher_program_sudan/ 2010-10-13T11:21:39+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan.

Last week, all eyes were on New York City as senior diplomats from around the world gathered for the UN General Assembly meetings. In the meeting rooms and corridors of United Nations Headquarters, we worked diligently with our international partners to elevate the importance of Sudan on the world stage and urge the North and South to take swift action to prevent destabilizing conflict and remain on the path of peace.

The importance the Obama Administration places on Sudan was highlighted at UNGA as the President, Secretary Clinton, Ambassador Rice, and I met with Northern and Southern Sudanese leaders, international partners, advocacy groups, and civil society leaders. In formal meetings and sidebar discussions with foreign counterparts at the most senior levels of government, we drove home the importance of full implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and real progress on improving the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur.

On Friday, September 24, President Obama participated in a UN High-Level Meeting on Sudan hosted by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. The President has led the Administration's engagement on Sudan and he has made resolving its challenges a U.S. foreign policy priority. At UNGA, he demonstrated his unwavering personal commitment to helping create the conditions required to build the enduring peace that the Sudanese people deserve.

The stakes are tremendously high as we approach the referenda for Southern Sudan and Abyei. Through our intensified diplomatic efforts, we seek to prevent destabilizing conflict, and ensure that the people of Sudan do not once again fall victim to the horrors of civil war that marred the decades leading up to the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. With the same sense of urgency, we continue to work with international partners toward definitively ending conflict in Darfur and building a future where justice and accountability prevail over violence and impunity.

With just over 100 days remaining before the referenda, the UN General Assembly has provided an excellent opportunity to refocus and rally the support of the international community. I am grateful to President Obama and Secretary Clinton for their leadership and collaboration as we work to build the diplomatic momentum needed to make progress toward the shared goal of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Sudan.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/unstinting_resolve/ 2010-09-28T19:50:29+00:00
President Obama said, "At this moment, the fate of millions of people hangs in the balance. What happens in Sudan in the days ahead may decide whether a people who have endured too much war move forward towards peace or slip backwards into bloodshed. And what happens in Sudan matters to all of sub-Saharan Africa, and it matters to the world."

The President continued, "I want to thank Vice President Taha and First Vice President Kiir for being here. To my fellow leaders from Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia -- your presence sends an unmistakable message to the Sudanese people and to their leaders that we stand united. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the civil war must be fully implemented. The referenda on self-determination scheduled for January 9th must take place -- peacefully and on time, the will of the people of South Sudan and the region of Abyei must be respected, regardless of the outcome.

"We are here because the leaders of Sudan face a choice. It's not the choice of how to move forward to give the people of Sudan the peace they deserve. We already know what needs to be done. The choice is for Sudanese leaders -- whether they will have the courage to walk the path. And the decision cannot be delayed any longer.

"Despite some recent progress, preparations for the referenda are still behind schedule. Now, the vote is only a little more than a hundred days away. And tragically, as has already been referred to, a recent spike in violence in Darfur has cost the lives of hundreds of more people.

"So the stakes are enormous. We all know the terrible price paid by the Sudanese people the last time north and south were engulfed in war: some two million people killed. Two million people. Millions more left homeless; millions displaced to refugee camps, threatening to destabilize the entire region. Separately, in Darfur, the deaths of hundreds of thousands shocked the conscience of the world. This is the awful legacy of conflict in Sudan -- the past that must not become Sudan's future."

Read the President's full remarks here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/obama_ministerial_meeting_on_sudan/ 2010-09-24T22:31:11+00:00 intensified diplomacy ahead of the January 2011 referenda, Special Envoy Gration made his 20th official trip to Sudan last weekend, had meetings in Khartoum and in Juba, and laid out for authorities in both capitals U.S.' expectations for the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

Special Envoy Gration said, "We seek a definitive end to the conflict in Darfur, to the gross human rights abuses, to the genocide that has existed there. And we seek to make sure that Sudan never again becomes a haven for international terrorists.

"The South has fought for 40 years for this opportunity to express their will in the referendum. The last 22 years they were at war ended when the CPA was signed. And they look forward to the referendum that will occur on the 9th of January of 2011. The North, on the other hand, is looking at losing 80 percent of its oil -- or oil reserves, 50 percent of the oil revenues, to a third of their land, and to 30 percent of their population. So they're still seeking to make unity attractive.

"So you can see that there's a tension between the North and the South. With only 114 days left before the referendum, there's a lot of work that has to be done, and this is really a make-or-break period for Sudan. And we must ensure that the parties make those tough decisions to find agreements, to implement those things that have to be done so that there can be a peaceful and an on-time referendum, and also to avoid the potential for war.

"The Obama Administration has been working very hard to implement our strategy. We've elevated our diplomatic efforts, and we're working with other nations, with the United Nations, African Union, the European Union, and other multilateral organizations to get done all those things that have to be done. We're making significant investments on the ground to prepare for whatever happens after the referenda. And we're presenting the parties with actions that they can take and we're incentivizing them.

"Specifically, President Obama has agreed to participate in the high-level meetings, especially the one that's hosted by the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the 24th of September. And this will bring high-level attention and focus on Sudan. Vice President Biden has also been engaged in Sudan. He traveled to Africa and engaged with leaders throughout the continent, and even the delegation from Southern Sudan, to make the points known about a free and fair, transparent referendum. And he urged the parties to do what they needed to do to make this happen.

"Secretary Clinton has been involved in the entire time that I've been the envoy to Sudan. Most recently, she called Vice President Kiir and Vice President Taha to invite them to UNGA and to meetings there, and also to encourage them to take the steps that they need to take to improve the humanitarian situation in Darfur and implement the CPA. General Jones just called these individuals again yesterday to reinforce the themes that I presented last weekend.

"We now have onboard Ambassador Princeton Lyman, a very seasoned diplomat, a respected negotiator, who will be the head of our U.S. negotiation support unit in Sudan. As many of you know, we've expanded our capacity in the South, and Ambassador Barrie Walkley is heading that effort as we build the capacity so that we can help Southern Sudan build its capacity. Ambassador Susan Rice has really been involved in helping bring together the United Nations and the nations represented there in full alignment with our goals and policies in the region.

."..We're making continued investments in Sudan, and our hope and belief is that we can have a referendum on time, one that's peaceful, but it's certainly going to take the parties doing their job and it's going to take the international community working together with the parties to make sure this gets pulled off."

You can read the full briefing here.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/gration_on_juba_and_khartoum/ 2010-09-15T20:51:03+00:00 wrote in August, as the countdown accelerates to the January 2011 referenda on self-determination for Southern Sudan and Abyei, the United States is redoubling its efforts to engage our Sudanese and international partners.

U.S. strategic priorities in Sudan remain: full and timely 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; a definitive end to conflict, gross human rights abuses, and genocide in Darfur; and that Sudan does not again become a safe haven for international terrorists.

During this critical period, the Obama Administration is intensifying its work to implement its Sudan strategy by: elevating diplomatic efforts; working with other nations, the UN, and other regional and international organizations to help prepare for the referenda; making significant investments on the ground to help prepare for what happens after the referenda, and presenting the parties concrete steps that the United States will take contingent on concrete achievements on the ground. These actions support the Sudan strategy launched by the Obama Administration in October 2009.

While it is up to the political leaders in Sudan to decide whether they are choosing the path of compromise or confrontation, peace or war, the Obama Administration is pressing the parties to facilitate the peaceful and on-time conduct of the referenda, to respect their results, to resolve key remaining post-referenda issues, and for the Government of Sudan to end the conflict in Darfur.

This weekend, Special Envoy Gration undertook his 20th trip to the region. In meetings in Khartoum, he made clear to the Sudanese government that normalization of relations with the United States depends on the full implementation of the CPA and peace and accountability in Darfur. In meetings in Juba, Special Envoy Gration likewise set forth our clear expectations of the Government of Southern Sudan as well as the potential incentives that exist should they complete their obligations under the CPA. He also made clear that there are a range of consequences that will be deployed, if the situation in Sudan deteriorates or fails to make progress, including additional sanctions.

You can read more in this factsheet about the specific actions that are being taken to prepare for the referenda.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/intensifying_diplomacy_sudan/ 2010-09-14T20:23:02+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan.

August 28, 2010 -- Greetings, and Ramadan Kareem. I'm writing this from the road to update you on my recent travels to Sudan and Kenya.

The holy month of Ramadan serves as a valuable opportunity to reflect on our shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity for Sudan and its neighbors. Whatever one's religious beliefs, the teachings of patience, sacrifice, and humility emphasized during Ramadan are helpful lessons for all of us working in the fields of international diplomacy and development.

As the countdown to the referendum accelerates, the United States is redoubling its efforts to engage our Sudanese and international partners. I arrived in Sudan last week, with the goals of addressing the humanitarian situation in Darfur; discussing preparations for the January 2011 Referenda for Southern Sudan and Abyei; and furthering the negotiations on North/South post-referendum arrangements.

After completing meetings with high-level officials in Khartoum and Juba, I had the opportunity to travel throughout Southern Sudan, where I visited the towns of Aweil, Wau, Mapel, and Rumbek. The visits provided an opportunity to connect with our local partners in the Southern states, to hear their challenges and objectives firsthand. By offering an opportunity to reflect on priorities and build consensus on how to solve anticipated challenges in the months ahead, the weekend trip reinforced my belief that lasting peace will be built at the grassroots level just as much as at senior-level negotiations.

One of the major objectives of my trip to Sudan is to ensure that preparations are on track for the January 2011 referenda on self-determination for Southern Sudan and Abyei, and this was the key topic of discussion during my trip to Aweil, the first stop on my journey. I met with the Acting Governor of Northern Bahr Al-Ghazal state (a key border state with the North), where we discussed the state's preparations and security planning for the January 2011 referendum on Southern Sudan. I was impressed by Governor's commitment to ensuring that the conditions required to conduct a credible referendum in his province will be in place for the January vote.

In Wau I visited the province's Deputy Governor, and we discussed the security preparations for the referendum, and the state of agricultural development in the state. As a retired military officer, I was impressed to see the work of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) training center in Mapel. I'm confident that the training provided to help professionalize the SPLA's 5th Division will have a positive and long-lasting impact on security and stability in the region. In Rumbek, the Governor very graciously hosted a dinner for me with 11 state ministers, and we met with the Governor and visited the Rumbek Secondary School. The students invited me to plant a tree at the school, a symbol of our shared commitment to building a more prosperous future for the people of Sudan.

From Sudan I flew to Nairobi, where I co-sponsored a very successful Southern Sudan Agriculture Conference with the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) and USAID. The conference brought together over 180 attendees, including officials from the GoSS, the U.S. Government, agricultural research organizations, financial institutions, and multinational agribusinesses, as well as key figures in the private donor community. The conference was held in honor of the late GoSS Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, His Excellency Dr. Samson Kwaje, who passed away earlier this month. Continuing his legacy, during the two-day conference, we examined the short- and long-term objectives to significantly increase production, to move Southern Sudan from subsistence farming to income-generating agribusiness. I'm extremely pleased that the conference was such a success, as agricultural development will be a critical component of the economic development of Southern Sudan in the years ahead.

On Wednesday evening, I returned to Khartoum for additional meetings, and I'm now in Cairo, where I attended the AU Envoys for Peace Summit. I promise to keep you posted on major developments as we work for peace and prosperity at this critical juncture.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/in_sudan_grassroots_diplomacy/ 2010-09-02T11:14:41+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan.

Greetings from Kampala, Uganda, where I am attending the African Union Summit. I just completed a trip to Sudan, including stops in Khartoum, Darfur and Juba for meetings with the AU/UN, the CPA parties, and various experts on education, environment, and agro-pastoral issues in Darfur.

In El Fasher, I continued my conversations on these themes with UNAMID officials, local government officials, civil society leaders, other UN agencies, and NGOs. I have also used these meetings to underscore the absolute necessity of improving civilian protection and security in Darfur before large-scale development can take place.

Security was a key element of my conversations with the North Darfur police commissioner, attorney general, and head of corrections. I also met with the State Committee on Combating Violence Against Women and Children and a Family and Child Protection Unit within the Sudanese police. I saw positive steps being taken, but much work remains to be done.

In my meetings with UNAMID officials, we discussed the recent deterioration in security conditions. UNAMID highlighted that much of this deterioration is due to increased intertribal fighting in addition to combat operations. It is clear that the underlying drivers of conflict in Darfur, including environmental degradation and disputes over land and water resources, continue to contribute to Darfur's security problems.

My conversations with civil society leaders and government officials also reaffirmed the importance of livelihoods and alternative income generating opportunities in reducing criminality and banditry, which have been a growing problem inside and outside IDP camps during the past several months. It is essential the international community account more comprehensively for the unique livelihoods of both sedentary and nomadic populations as we develop urban and rural early recovery strategies.

I visited a government-run tree nursery that grows 90-95 percent of North Darfur's tree seedlings as well as a small-scale private tree nursery where a former teacher has started her own business. I also visited a technical school, observed a demonstration of sustainable brick making, and met with officials from the state-level Ministries of Agriculture and Education.

Later, I returned to Abu Shouk IDP camp to visit a school and distribute solar cookers at a women's center. I also spent time in a village where NGOs are implementing projects to support a community forest, goat restocking, para-veterinarians and animal midwives, terracing techniques, and water reservoir management.

Tomorrow, I will travel on to Doha for meetings with the Darfur mediation team and negotiating parties. A fully implemented ceasefire and comprehensive negotiated political settlement remain key to sustainable peace in the region.
]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/visit_to_darfur/ 2010-07-26T21:30:37+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan.

Just six months to go until the referenda on Southern Sudan's independence and the status of Abyei. As the international community turns its attention to planning for January 9, 2011, I believe continued engagement on Darfur is as important and relevant as it ever was. The President's Strategy calls for a holistic approach to resolving conflict in Sudan, and peace in Darfur remains a critical pillar of that strategy. At the same time, there is no single government, institution, or organization alone responsible for ending the Darfur conflict. Partnership and collaboration are essential to our efforts in the region, and I'm working closely with the African Union, United Nations, Arab League members, and my fellow Envoys from the UK, EU, France, Russia, and China to ensure success. The Government of Sudan and rebel groups, of course, have special responsibility to refrain from further violence and to create conditions on the ground conducive to international peace-building efforts. This charge remains a significant part of my ongoing discussions with these groups.

The peace process in Doha is still a priority. We continue to support the work of the AU/UN Joint Chief Mediator and the Government of Qatar to facilitate peace talks between the Government of Sudan and Darfur movements. I was encouraged earlier this year when Chad-Sudan relations improved and several Darfur factions united under the umbrella of the Liberation and Justice Movement catalyzed progress in negotiations. I'm disappointed, however, that Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) leader Khalil Ibrahim has chosen to abandon the negotiations. Last month I traveled to Tripoli to urge him to send his delegation back to Doha. Later this month will make my sixth trip to Qatar where I hope to meet with representatives of Abdul Wahid's Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM).

As talks in Doha proceed with the long-term aim of reaching a comprehensive peace agreement, we are taking all steps possible in the near-term to improve the security and living conditions of Darfuris. The recent spike in casualties caused by increased fighting between the Government of Sudan and JEM is deeply troubling. I'm also gravely concerned about reports of continued banditry, assaults, and gender-based violence targeting civilians, as well as recent kidnappings of peacekeepers and humanitarian workers. I believe we must improve the operating environment and safety for those who are working in Darfur. To that end, we are working closely with the Government of Sudan, with the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur, and with the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel to increase security and stability.

While planning for the referenda is of the utmost urgency, we must not and will not lose sight of Darfur. The United States has allocated more than $1.1 billion in FY 2009 funds to support humanitarian, early recovery, security, and peacekeeping activities in Darfur and Eastern Chad, and this assistance will continue. We're also directly supporting organizations that will build the capacity of Darfuri development NGOs, identify opportunities for reconciliation activities, and conduct outreach to internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and Arab and nomadic tribes to ensure their voices are heard in the peace process. I will travel to El Fasher later this month for consultations on these initiatives, as well as agriculture and education projects. I'm committed to bringing sustainable peace to Darfur and the region.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/darfur_peace/ 2010-07-10T14:00:36+00:00
"Chairman Kerry, Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee: I am honored by the opportunity to discuss with you today the situation in Sudan and the important challenges that lie ahead. As you noted in your invitation to testify, the coming months clearly bring a series of critical decision points for policymakers in Khartoum, Juba, neighboring capitals, and here in Washington as well. I will focus my remarks today primarily on the road to the referenda in January 2011, the post-2011 planning and capacity-building that need to continue at an accelerated pace, and issues of peace, accountability, and security for Darfur.

"Prior to January 2011 there are a number of tasks to be undertaken in a short time period. The United States and the international community in general must be prepared to assist the parties in this endeavor to help maintain peace and stability in Sudan and the region. Before we look ahead, though, it's important to take a moment to take stock of some of the most important recent developments.

"Chad and Sudan have made notable progress in their bilateral relationship, moving toward stopping the long-running proxy war among rebels from both states and ending support to the rebels, deploying a joint border monitoring force, and opening the border between the two countries on April 14. Peace talks under the auspices of the UN and African Union in Doha have resulted in unification of some Darfur rebels into two groups and involved civil society in preparations for negotiations. However, the Darfur rebel leader with the most popular support among the Fur, Abdul Wahid, has refused to participate in the talks. The Justice and Equality Movement -- the most militarily significant rebel group in Darfur -- last week suspended its participation in the talks amid new reports of clashes with government forces in Darfur.

"In April, Sudan held its first multiparty elections in 24 years in a largely peaceful manner. We share the serious concerns expressed by the Carter Center, the European Union, and other organizations that undertook election observation missions about widespread logistical and administrative challenges and procedural irregularities, restrictions on civil liberties, some cases of fraud, harassment by military and security services, and that the ongoing conflict in Darfur did not permit an environment conducive to elections. We also have concerns about the tabulation process. As these observation missions have also noted, the elections failed to meet international standards. There were some positive outcomes from these elections, in addition to fulfilling a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) milestone. Dozens of registered parties and thousands of candidates participated, and over 10 million votes were cast, according to the National Elections Commission. The elections period also saw renewed engagement by civil society groups and increased civic participation among the populace.

"We cannot ignore the challenges that continue to exist, and there is daunting work ahead. There are less than eight months remaining until the referenda. Before those votes take place, there are important issues in the CPA that must be resolved, including:

"North/South Border Demarcation: Earlier this year the parties approved a report detailing undisputed areas of the North/South border, but they need to agree on remaining disputed areas and urgently begin demarcation.

"Southern Sudan Referendum Preparations: The parties must finalize composition of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, to be approved by the newly-formed National Assembly, and these bodies must immediately create plans to undertake voter registration and develop voting procedures within a very tight timeline.

"Abyei Referendum Preparations: In addition to finalizing the composition of the Abyei Referendum Commission that must create similar plans, the parties must also resolve sensitive questions around who is eligible to vote in Abyei. The Abyei boundary must also be demarcated.

"Popular Consultations for Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile: Technical committees have begun planning, but commissions to be created from newly-elected state assemblies will undertake the actual consultations. Postponed state-level elections in Southern Kordofan must first take place before this state's commission can be formed.

"The above issues are complex and it is clear that time is limited. The NCP and SPLM must work together in an atmosphere of open dialogue and trust, consulting with other Sudanese stakeholders as necessary to ensure broad support. These CPA issues recently took a back seat to electoral preparations, but now the parties must refocus and intensify their implementation efforts. Both the government in Khartoum and the Government of Southern Sudan are in the process of reallocating positions based on electoral results. In the coming weeks following the elections, they will need to quickly appoint credible ministries and institutions that are able to gather support for the tough decisions that lay ahead.

"As we look to the referenda, which are stipulated by the CPA and enshrined in the Interim Constitution of Sudan, we have carefully considered possible scenarios for which the international community should be prepared. The scenario we'd like to see is outlined in the CPA: credible and peaceful referenda are undertaken during which Southern Sudanese choose unity or secession, and the people of Abyei choose whether to remain with the North or join the South. In this scenario the outcomes are respected by the National Congress Party (NCP), the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), other political parties and Sudanese citizens, as well as the international community, including those who signed on to the CPA as witnesses and supporters of implementation of the CPA in 2005. We must also be prepared to respond to less favorable scenarios.

"We are mindful that the end of the Interim Period will change the relationship between the north and south, regardless of the outcome of the two referenda. We continue to strongly encourage the parties to formalize a framework for negotiations on post-CPA issues. The critical issues for agreement will include: citizenship, management of natural resources such as oil and water, the status of trans-boundary migratory populations, security arrangements, and assets and liabilities.

"Agreement on such issues is necessary both to inform the choices of voters and to ensure a smooth post-2011 transition. We are committed to helping mobilize and coordinate international efforts underway to assist the parties with these negotiations. We must be prepared to invest substantial political and diplomatic energy, as well as technical assistance, to ensure that political will is fostered and agreements are not only reached but also implemented. Only with sustainable arrangements will the parties be able to navigate the many hurdles coming in 2011 and beyond.

"Whether or not Southern Sudan becomes independent in July 2011, and regardless of whether it includes Abyei or not, the Government of Southern Sudan will require effective leadership as well as strengthened capacity to undertake effective and accountable governance, provide security, and deliver services to its citizenry. A robust, concerted international effort will be required to assist in this capacity-building effort.

"In order to assist in building up the capacity of Southern Sudan, we are undertaking a 'Juba Diplomatic Expansion' to include staffing and material assistance on the ground in Sudan to support USG foreign policy objectives. Operating under Chief of Mission authority, staff from the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS) and the Civilian Response Corps (CRC) will provide support to Consulate General Juba and complement USAID's robust presence in the run-up to and following Southern Sudan's January 2011 referendum. Staff is assisting in strategic and contingency planning, program oversight, and technical assistance, both in Washington and in the field.

"In keeping with President Obama's emphasis on multilateral efforts in Sudan, we are working closely with our partners in the international community through the Troika, Contact Group, and 'E6' group of envoys. We have an ongoing dialogue with key regional organizations and states, including the African Union, European Union, Arab League, Sudan's nine neighboring states, China, Russia, and others. We also regularly engage with the United Nations on UN missions in Sudan. With substantial U.S. input, the Security Council recently renewed the mandate of the UNMIS peacekeeping mission, emphasizing the need for the mission to continue its support to the CPA parties to implement all aspects of the CPA, and requesting that UNMIS be prepared to assist the parties in the referenda process. Promising new leadership on both Sudan peacekeeping missions bodes well for future mission operations. The parties have much to do in the final phase of Sudan's Interim Period and it is our sincere hope that strong international engagement will further bolster these efforts.

"While much attention will be focused on the North-South process over the next year, we continue to work on Darfur and the many important unresolved issues there. A definitive end to conflict, gross human rights abuses, and genocide in Darfur remains a key strategic objective, as made clear in the U.S. Strategy on Sudan. Violence continues in and there are credible reports of continued aerial bombardments by the Government of Sudan. This is unconscionable and we have called on the government to immediately renew its ceasefire.

"Following progress in Chad-Sudan relations earlier this year, the Darfur peace talks in Doha saw positive progress with the signing of two framework agreements between the Government of Sudan and Darfur rebels in February and March. We are concerned about the Justice and Equality Movement's decision to leave the peace talks and are encouraging them to return to the negotiating table The UN and African Union are now working hard to include the voices of civil society representatives in the process, implement a ceasefire on the ground, and enter into meaningful and productive political negotiations between the parties.

"While issues such as ceasefires, power sharing, and wealth sharing can be addressed at a high level in Doha, we need to think more creatively about how to bring the people of Darfur into local conversations about compensation, land tenure, and rebuilding their communities. Additionally, as stated in the U.S. Strategy on Sudan, accountability for genocide and atrocities is necessary for reconciliation and lasting peace. In addition to supporting international efforts to bring those responsible for genocide and war crimes in Darfur to justice, we are consulting closely with our international partners and Darfuri civil society on ways to strengthen locally-owned accountability and reconciliation mechanisms in light of the recommendations made by the African Union High Level Panel on Darfur led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki.

"Local peacebuilding, rule of law, and reconciliation activities must be revived and strengthened. We should not wait for a negotiated political settlement to begin improving the lives of Darfuris. For instance, we are supporting the role of women in peacebuilding and working on the imperative of reducing gender-based violence in Sudan. One of the Administration's highest priorities for Darfur is to improve security so that the people on the ground who have suffered so greatly can see a tangible improvement in their living conditions. We continue to work closely with UNAMID and relevant stakeholders to enhance protection of civilians, expand humanitarian space for the delivery of life-saving assistance, and consolidate gains in stable areas to prepare for the voluntary return of people to their homes. This is not an easy process, but it's one international donors must undertake with great urgency.

"We are also working with our international partners to improve access for UNAMID and humanitarian workers to areas still affected by fighting between government and rebel forces, such as Jebel Marra and Jebel Moon, as well as inter-tribal fighting, especially in South Darfur. We are also working with the UN and other key partners on a plan to provide increased security in the triangle that is formed by El Fasher, Nyala and El Geneina, where up to half the population of Darfur lives. In the long term, it is imperative to address the underlying causes of conflict, including disputes over land and water resources. This will require the cooperation of the Government of Sudan, vigorous diplomacy by the United States, and sustained support from the international community.

"Thank you and I look forward to your questions."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/critical_moment_cpa_darfur/ 2010-05-13T01:54:36+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan.

I am about to head to Darfur, after spending several days in Khartoum and Juba. While in Khartoum, I participated in a plenary session of the Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC) to discuss the remaining issues regarding implementation of the 2005 North-South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). See below for a brief description of the AEC and for the text of a statement released by the AEC and its members following the plenary session.

The AEC was established as part of the 2005 CPA to monitor and support implementation of the peace agreement. It is made up of representatives from the Sudanese parties to the CPA, the National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, as well as international representatives from Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. The African Union, Arab League, European Union, and United Nations also participate as observers.

AEC Plenary Statement

The Assessment and Evaluation Commission held a high level plenary session on 4 May. Envoys and heads of mission of the witnesses to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement joined the representatives of the parties in the first meeting of the Commission since the national elections, a key CPA milestone.

The AEC is not tasked with election observation, but members were agreed in welcoming the peaceful conduct of the elections as an important step. They stressed that complaints in respect of individual results should be pursued through the channels prescribed by law. They looked forward to implementation of the understanding reached between the parties on additional Southern representation in the National Assembly. They welcomed the broadening of the political space which had resulted during the election period and called for continued efforts in pursuit of the democratic transformation envisaged in the CPA and the Interim National Constitution. They considered that administrative, logistic and procedural lessons could be drawn from the experience of the electoral process which could help to ensure the success of the upcoming elections in Southern Kordofan and the referenda in January 2011.

At this important point in Sudan's history, as new governments are being formed and newly elected representatives prepare to take office, all AEC members and observers reaffirmed their total commitment to the CPA and specifically to the fulfillment, successfully and on time, of the key remaining steps in its implementation -- popular consultation in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, the referendum in Abyei and the self determination referendum of the people of the South.

Discussion at the plenary meeting focused on the actions which need to be taken urgently to prepare the way for such success and for a peaceful transition in 2011 whatever the outcomes of the popular consultation and of the referenda. The parties briefed on the state of discussions between them. Recalling that the time remaining to prepare for the referenda is short, and that the AEC called in January 2010 for the immediate establishment of the referendum commissions to ensure that the necessary administrative, logistical and funding mechanisms can be put in place, the AEC concludes that the appointment of these commissions now is imperative.

The AEC welcomes the decision of the Presidency to proceed without further delay with demarcation on the ground of the 1/1/56 border and underlines the urgency of agreement in respect of those areas where the ad hoc Technical Committee has as yet been unable to delimit it. It stresses also the importance of completing the demarcation of the Abyei border as determined by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The AEC has consistently argued that border demarcation need not mean new barriers, and in this context it warmly welcomes the conclusions of the "Tamazuj" conference of border states and undertakes to assist in follow up.

The AEC welcomes also the steps already taken by the parties to prepare for negotiations on post referendum arrangements covering key issues on both possible scenarios, continued unity or separation. Success in such negotiations will be of vital importance to peaceful transition in 2011 and beyond. The AEC looks forward to the formal launch by the parties of these negotiations and underlines the readiness of the Commission and its members to assist with experience and expertise as and when requested. The Chairman informed the meeting of his intention to convene at regular intervals, in addition to the normal plenary and working group meetings of the AEC, an ad hoc group including all members which might receive briefings and help in coordinating such assistance.

Finally it should be noted that international participants in the meeting underlined their readiness individually and collectively to provide such assistance as may be needed to ensure the success of the steps specified in this statement, and other outstanding steps in CPA implementation, and to help support development in the war affected areas and across Southern Sudan. They noted that support for the referenda in particular would need to be available immediately on formation of the commissions and receipt of requests from them, given the tightness of the timetable.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/statement_sudan_aec/ 2010-05-05T21:30:11+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the President's Special Envoy to Sudan.

Hello, I'm Scott Gration, the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan. This week I'm heading out on my next visit to the region -- to Sudan and Ethiopia. Let me take a few minutes to share some of our objectives with you.

Two weeks ago, Sudan held its first multiparty elections in 24 years. While we have expressed our concerns about the elections and the electoral environment, we recognize these elections are an important element of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. We're continuing our efforts to fully implement the CPA, including next year's referenda in Abyei and Southern Sudan.

On this trip, I will stop in Khartoum where I will meet with top officials of the United Nations and other special envoys from Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union.

I will also travel to Juba for continued discussions with members of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and leaders of the Government of Southern Sudan. We will discuss the unresolved issues of the CPA, like border demarcation and popular consultations. We will also talk about the post-referenda matters, such as oil revenues, citizenship, and grazing rights.

My trip will take me back to Darfur to discuss the security situation on the ground with UNAMID officials in El Fashir.

Finally, I'm heading to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia to participate in an African Union ministerial on Sudan. While there, I will meet with key African leaders and multilateral organizations to discuss regional strategies and to coordinate international support.

I look forward to giving you an update upon my return. Thank you for your continued interest in the work of our office. We appreciate your concern for the peace, prosperity and future of the Sudanese people. Thank you.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/gration_sudan_ethiopia/ 2010-04-30T20:41:29+00:00
"We acknowledge the conclusion on 15 April of Sudan's first multi-party elections in twenty-four years. We commend the people of Sudan for their engagement in a complex and lengthy polling process, and their increased civic participation over recent months. Last month we collectively reiterated our call for peaceful, credible elections, and expressed our deep concern regarding reports of administrative and logistical challenges, as well as restrictions on political freedoms.

"We note initial assessments of the electoral process from independent observers, including the judgment that the elections failed to meet international standards. We are reassured that voting passed reasonably peacefully, reportedly with significant participation, but share their serious concerns about weak logistical and technical preparations and reported irregularities in many parts of Sudan. We note the limited access of observer missions in Darfur. We regret that the National Elections Commission (NEC) did not do more to prevent and address such problems prior to voting. We strongly encourage the NEC to address in good faith any legitimate disputes effectively and impartially.

"It is essential to build upon the progress made so far to expand democratic space in Sudan and ensure full respect for human rights. We call on the Sudanese authorities to draw lessons from these elections and from independent assessments of them, to ensure that future elections and the forthcoming referenda do not suffer from the same flaws.

"The CPA remains essential for peace and stability in Sudan and the region. We urge all parties in Sudan to resume and accelerate work to complete its implementation. Urgent progress is needed on border demarcation, preparatory arrangements for the January 2011 referenda for the South and Abyei, and popular consultations in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan. In addition the parties must make it a priority to agree upon the new arrangements needed after the CPA expires in July 2011, irrespective of the outcome of the referenda.

"We remain firmly committed to supporting implementation of the CPA and post-CPA arrangements, and the pursuit of peace, justice, reconciliation, and accountability in Darfur. We will continue to work closely towards these goals with parties in Sudan, and with the United Nations, African Union, Assessment and Evaluation Commission and other international and regional partners."]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/troika_statement_sudanese_elections/ 2010-04-19T21:58:57+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of participating in the "Way Forward on Darfur and South Sudan Pittsburgh Summit." The event was organized by the Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition and hosted by Carnegie Mellon University. I spoke at the main event on Saturday evening along with former President of the Save Darfur Coalition Jerry Fowler, Head of the Government of Southern Sudan Mission to the United States Ezekiel Gatkuoth, and Diaspora representatives. The theme of my remarks was “Goals of American Policy in Sudan: Problems and Prospects.” I spoke about what the United States Government is doing to end the violence in Darfur and fully implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. I spoke in detail about the preparations and concerns regarding the upcoming national elections as well as progress and challenges surrounding the Doha peace process for Darfur. More importantly, I listened to the thoughtful recommendations of the Diaspora participants.

Approximately 250 people attended the event, including 50 members of the Diaspora from both Darfur and South Sudan, and many activists and students. On Sunday morning, I attended a breakfast with conference participants where I had the pleasure of speaking informally with many members of the Diaspora and advocacy group community.

I found this event extremely valuable, and I would like to thank all the members of the Diaspora for their engagement and thoughtful questions and comments. Members of the Diaspora have a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise to offer, and I look forward to continuing to engage with them throughout my tenure as the Special Envoy to Sudan.

Thank you for your continued interest, Scott.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/diaspora_community/ 2010-03-25T19:49:19+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the President's Special Envoy to Sudan.

I am currently on a trip to Kenya and Qatar, and I wanted to take a moment from here in Nairobi to recognize and reflect on the importance of today, International Women's Day.

Over the last several weeks, we've seen a lot of progress on the issues facing Sudan. On Darfur, major progress has been made with the signing of the landmark ceasefire and framework agreement between the Government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), one of the largest Darfuri rebel groups. This agreement, combined with the recent Chad-Sudan agreement and the normalization of relations between the two countries, provides an unprecedented opportunity for a significant reduction in violence in Darfur. With the involvement of other major rebel movements, such as the newly unified Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM), as well as civil society, there is also a key opportunity for an inclusive and comprehensive peace in Darfur.

On the North-South issues in Sudan, we've also seen progress over the past several weeks. The National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) reached important agreements to resolve the census dispute, make progress on the north-south border demarcation, and formally agree to begin discussions on post-2011 arrangements.

These are all important steps and they present real opportunities to improve conditions on the ground in Sudan, and to improve the lives of the Sudanese. However, despite this progress, it is important that we take a moment to step back, to reflect on the unique challenges and horrors that women as a group have had to endure and continue to face in Sudan. Though agreements have been reached in capital cities like Doha and N'Djamena and Khartoum, women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Darfur still fear leaving the camp to collect firewood for the threat of gender-based violence. And women still face widespread insecurity, even in their own surroundings within the camps.

Since the expulsion of aid groups from Darfur one year ago this month, much of the previously lost capacity has returned. However, many services for addressing gender-based violence and its consequences have not resumed, and the women of Darfur have suffered accordingly. Women also face severe risk of death and complications from childbirth, and infant mortality is tragically high.

These challenges and conditions can seem insurmountable. Yet there are still rays of hope. For the first time, women are running in elections across all political levels in Sudan, from state assembly to state governor to national assembly to the Presidency. Since the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, educational opportunities for women in the South have greatly expanded. On Darfur, women continue to play a significant role in peace process. During the 2009 civil society conference arranged by the AU/UN mediation team, women were active in formulating the consensus documents that provided civil society's views on pushing the peace process forward. In addition, just today a group of Darfuri women met with the Special Envoy's staff in Washington, DC to deliver a briefing on their recent visit to Doha at the beginning of 2010.

As the President said in his statement from the White House today, "Women are vital to the solutions to these problems, and we will not sow the seeds for a brighter future or reap the benefits of the change we need without the full and active participation of women around the world." I have seen the women of Sudan put forward ideas for a better future and I continue to support these women in their endeavors.

It is my sincere belief that the hope for a brighter future largely rests with the women of Darfur and Sudan. It is the strength, resolve, and leadership of the women of Sudan that will be the deciding factor in making Sudan a land of peace, stability and prosperity. So it is important that we take a moment on this International Women's Day to remember this and to resolve to do better to end the impunity of gender-based violence, to do better at bringing security to the camps, and to do better at bringing healthcare to the women of Sudan. We must do better for the women of Darfur and Sudan -- the future of Sudan depends on it.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/sudan_womens_day/ 2010-03-08T20:31:06+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the President's Special Envoy to Sudan.

This past week was a time to reflect and a time to listen. Since the rollout of the U.S. strategy on Sudan, we have been charging full speed ahead to implement the strategy and achieve progress in Sudan. This past week, however, was a time for us to take a moment to reflect. I met with leading Sudan activists, operational NGOs, and representatives from the Darfuri diaspora to continue our dialog. I also wanted to hear from them about their thoughts, ideas, and concerns about Sudan and about our efforts to implement the U.S. strategy to save lives and achieve meaningful progress on the ground.

On January 20, I met with leaders from four leading Sudan activist organizations: the Save Darfur Coalition, the Enough Project, the Genocide Intervention Network, and Humanity United. I took their questions on a variety of issues, including the April elections, voter registration, the U.S. Sudan policy and its first quarterly review, among other issues.

Then, on January 21, I participated in a roundtable discussion with around thirty representatives of NGOs that are operational on the ground in Sudan. Also on the panel with me were Save Darfur President, Jerry Fowler, and Edward Thomas from Chatham House. The discussion centered around finding the best way forward in dealing with the myriad issues facing Sudan.

And on Tuesday, January 26, I met with a group of Darfuri diaspora representatives at the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) to listen to their ideas and to discuss the path forward in Darfur. They shared insightful comments and constructive ideas about the best way to achieve a just peace, justice, and stability for the people of Darfur.

These discussions were invaluable. The insights from those present were helpful and informative, and I will keep their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions in mind as we press forward in implementing the U.S. strategy to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to the people of Sudan. I look forward to continuing an open and fruitful dialog with all those who are passionate about bringing peace to Sudan.

Thank you for your continued interest, Scott.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/sudan_reflections/ 2010-01-27T17:22:20+00:00 Information on Earthquake in Haiti | Special Briefing

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

I write today to express my deepest concern for the people of Haiti and my most heartfelt condolences to those who have lost a loved one in this terrible disaster. The earthquake in Haiti has wreaked horrible devastation, and we still do not know the extent of the destruction and loss of life. The people of Haiti are in our thoughts and prayers.

Haiti is half a world away from Sudan. The two countries may differ in culture, language, history, and situation; but the people of both countries deserve lives of peace and stability, with adequate healthcare and education, access to food and clean water, and basic human freedoms.

Also, we are following closely the developments regarding the missing members of the United Nations team and we extend our hope for their safety.

Sincerely, Scott.

How To Help: Center for International Disaster Information | InterAction | Mercy Corps | Red Cross | Text Donation]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/concern_for_haiti/ 2010-01-14T13:41:48+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the President's Special Envoy to Sudan.

This Saturday marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The CPA has provided the foundation for peace, and it was only possible because of the leadership and political will of the parties in Sudan, combined with the robust support of the international community. There have been real signs of progress, but not enough to secure a lasting peace. The parties in Sudan now have a choice: to intensify efforts to work together to achieve peace, or to face the prospect of increased violence and renewed war.

2010 will be a critical year for Sudan. The historic national elections are coming up in April, and the referenda on self-determination for Southern Sudan and Abyei are just around the corner in January 2011. Time is truly of the essence.

This morning Secretary Clinton spoke about the CPA anniversary and the importance of this vital year for Sudan. Transcript and video of the Secretary's remarks and the Q&A that followed is available here. A written joint statement was also issued today to mark the CPA anniversary by Secretary Clinton, Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Miliband. That statement is available here. And the White House released a statement which can be found here.

We will continue to work with the parties in Sudan and the international community to secure the peace and stability the Sudanese people deserve. Thank you for your continued interest, Scott.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/fifth_anniversary_cpa_sudan/ 2010-01-09T04:09:18+00:00 About the Author: Major General (Ret) Scott Gration serves as the President(tm)s Special Envoy to Sudan.

We've reached a new year, a time for reflection but, most of all, a time for looking forward, for making resolutions we intend to keep. It•€(tm)s clear that 2010 will be a critical year in securing a peaceful future for Sudan. National elections are scheduled for April 2010, and registration for the referenda on self-determination for Southern Sudan and Abyei will begin in July with the vote taking place in January 2011. In between, popular consultations in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, demarcation of the Abyei and North-South borders, reviews of wealth-sharing arrangements, and negotiations on post-CPA issues must be finalized. Direct talks between the Government of Sudan and Darfur armed movements are scheduled to begin in Doha in late January and a negotiated political settlement is still urgently needed to achieve a lasting and just peace in Darfur.

We will continue to work diligently with all parties throughout Sudan in pursuit of peace and stability in Darfur, for full implementation of the North-South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), and to prepare for what happens after the CPA expires in July 2011. At the same time, and in accordance with our strategic objectives, we will be monitoring the actions taken by the parties in Sudan and will hold them accountable for their accomplishments and their shortcomings. Make no mistake, failure to make progress and a continuation of the unacceptable status quo by any party will be met by credible pressures from the United States and our partners in the international community.

The road ahead will be tough and beset by numerous and seemingly insurmountable challenges. But in the face of these trials, we will work with steadfast determination with the parties to reach positive agreements followed up by verifiable implementation. The ultimate passage this week of the Southern Sudan Referendum Law is a positive step towards CPA implementation, allowing critical preparations for the referendum to begin in earnest. In this last month of 2009, we have also seen major progress in Chad-Sudan relations, with high-level visits and encouraging steps toward normalization of relations between these two countries. This is a necessary step for advancing the Darfur peace process and achieving lasting changes on the ground for the people of Darfur. I hope that the parties in Sudan will build on these acts of progress and resolve to move forward on the critical issues facing Sudan in the new year. With positive action and political will, the parties in Sudan have an opportunity to work together to bring the Sudanese people the peace, stability, and prosperity they deserve.

Thank you for your continued interest, and have a happy new year, Scott.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/sudan/index.php/entires/a_new_year_for_sudan/ 2010-01-01T18:01:54+00:00