US Bush saddened by Garang’s death, calls for calm in Sudan

Deputy leader of SPLM Salva Kiir (L) past by the coffin of John Garang in New Site village in Southern Sudan August 1, 2005. (Reuters) .

WASHINGTON, Aug 1, 2005 (Dow Jones) — U.S. President George W. Bush said Monday that he is “deeply saddened” by the death of Sudanese Vice President John Garang de Mabior, and called on the people of Sudan to maintain calm and continue implementing the country’s peace agreement.

“He was a visionary leader and peacemaker who helped bring about the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which is a beacon of hope for all Sudanese,” Bush said in a statement. “The United States is determined to maintain our commitment to the peace process in Sudan.”

Garang died Saturday in a helicopter crash. There have been reports of rioting in the capital, Khartoum, in the aftermath of his death.

“We urge all Sudanese people to refrain from resorting to violence and to continue the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement,” Bush said. “John Garang’s vision of peace must be embraced by all the people in Sudan so that they can live in a democratic, peaceful, and united country.”