Bush urges Sudan to stop Darfur violence

WASHINGTON, July 13 (Reuters) – U.S. President George W. Bush called on Sudan on Tuesday to bring an end to the violence and humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

“I call upon the government of Sudan to stop the Janjaweed violence. I call on all parties of the conflict to respect the cease fire, to respect human rights, and to allow for the free movements of humanitarian workers and aid,” Bush told African ambassadors before signing legislation into law extending trade benefits to Africa.

The United States accuses Sudan’s government of not doing enough to end the crisis in the Darfur region. Washington has called on the United Nations to prepare for a resolution that would sanction militia leaders and could pave the way for action against Sudan’s government.

Marauding government-backed militias known as Janjaweed have put hundreds of thousands at risk of death from starvation or illness as the rainy season approaches, U.S. officials say.

Khartoum, which denies it backs the militia, has pledged to disarm the Janjaweed, remove them from areas near refugee camps and provide a police force for the border areas between Sudan and Chad, where tens of thousands have fled.

“I’m deeply concerned about the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Darfur,” Bush said.