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US Senator Kerry endorses peace approach with Khartoum

April 17, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – US Senator John Kerry left Khartoum to visit the capital of the North Darfur state government, El Fasher, where he offered up the possibility of major concessions to the Government of Sudan.

Kerry_and_Hocine_Medilli.jpgNorth Darfur Governor Osman Yusuf Kibir welcomed Kerry at his residence today in El Fasher.

The senator’s visit follows that of President Barack Obama’s envoy to the country, Scott Gration, and marks another indication that the new administration is inclined to engage with the Sudan government rather than confront it, as had been feared by some Sudanese officials.

After his meetings with senior officials Thursday evening, Kerry stated “Special Envoy Gration has succeeded in negotiating a strong agreement with the government with many positive elements to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur.”

Announced by Kerry, Sudan’s decision to partially reverse the expulsion order against foreign aid groups in Darfur, if true, would represent a concession to Washington. But no Sudanese officials have corroborated Kerry’s claim, and likewise earlier this week US and humanitarian aid officials told Sudan Tribune that Gration had returned from Khartoum having won nothing concrete in the negotiations.

Nevertheless, Kerry told an audience in Khartoum, “We have agreement that in the next weeks we will be back to 100 percent capacity,” while adding that not every aid group would be granted to exist as before.

In an interview today with Reuters News Agency, Kerry also stressed the need for a peace agreement for Darfur, signalling an ongoing policy of engagement with the Government of Sudan. “I could feel the anger in there,” said Kerry after visiting Al Salam refugee camp, “the frustration and the anger as the years go by, and I think there is a sense of urgency.”

The former US presidential candidate noted that the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against the country’s president for war crimes and crimes against humanity was no obstacle for the US to deal with the wanted leader.

“Of course, there is no question it has complicated matters,” he said. But added, “the humanitarian issue and the issue of governments working together transcends whatever external factors there may be.”

The United States is not a party to the ICC, and therefore has announced it is not faced with any legal constraints stemming from the warrant. However, Kerry did not meet with President Al-Bashir himself, though he did meet with his closest aides, including Second Vice President Ali Osman Taha and the Presidential Assistant Nafi Ali Nafi.

Today the senator indicated that lifting sanctions against Sudan was entirely possible: “Absolutely. That is entirely on the table. I can’t tell you when, that’s a decision President Obama makes.”

As part of Kerry’s visit, he met key leaders of the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) at the headquarters, including Acting Joint Special Representative Hocine Medili. He received a briefing on the overall political and humanitarian situation in Darfur, according to a spokesperson of the mission.

The Deputy Force Commander, Major General Emmanuel Karenzi, briefed Kerry on UNAMID force operations, and Commissioner Michael Fryer briefed him on the mission’s police operations.

“He promised to do everything to help assist in order to enable the Mission to fulfill its duties in better conditions,” stated the peacekeeping mission.

The US senator was accompanied by the US Chargé d’Affaires, Alberto Fernandez and other US officials.

(ST)

4 Comments

  • Akol Liai Mager
    Akol Liai Mager

    US Senator Kerry endorses peace approach with Khartoum
    All remarks made so far by Scott Gration and John Kerry about Darfur Issue are the strongest indications that Barack Hussein Obama’s administration will offer assistances to the NIF regime, not only for denying justice for the victims, but will also provide more assistances for NIF to finish-off remaining African population of Darfur.

    What a great surprise Obama inflicts on human rights Activists? Though African persons such as Obama hold a key and most powerful position in our world today, Hyena’s behaviour of eating its own wounds overshadow their actions.

    Obama and Condaleza Rice’s negative roles in Darfur conflict will never be forgotten as that of the NIF regime. The Kenyan man, president of USA is now the second most dangerous man after NIF fugitve leader for Darfurian people.

    One person said in the time of McCain-Obama White House’s Race “Obama wins will be a great disappointment for “Save Dafur Now” and disastrous to Genocide’s survival in Darfur”

    I was a surprise for me to hear that and rushed to a question, don’t you support Obama and why?

    The quick answer from the person was that “US Democratic Party Leaders were the ones who gave birth and raised up Al Qaeda’ organisation, so, as long as Obama is a Democrats candidate, he will just do what his party wants to do and therefore, poor will get poorer and war victims will receive his back”

    However, John Kerry and Scott Gration made me believed that Obama has joined the war in Darfur and has chosen NIF side. It is a matter of few weeks if not days before the world could hear Obama announcing his replacement of NIF regime with Darfurian Movements on the US’ List of Terrorists Sponsors.

    Reply
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