US Senators lay down markers for better relations with Sudan
May 27, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – US Senators Isakson and Corker, representing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Africa, indicated their priorities in the renewed bilateral dialogue following an outdoor dinner Monday night hosted by Salah Abdallah Gosh, head of the Sudanese National Intelligence and Security Services.
In a diary-style article published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday, Senator Johnny Isakson emphasized that the two governments are seeking improved relations, but laid down markers that will show the level of progress in the relationship.
“We emphasized that improved relations will be built on progress toward the comprehensive peace agreement, which requires legislation pending in the parliament on freedom of the press; reconciliation with the south; future agreements between the north and the south on sharing oil revenues; and full cooperation with aid workers delivering humanitarian assistance to the people of Darfur,” wrote Isakson.
These issues have been central in recent US moves to engage the Sudan government and other international actors, after a tense period when US officials came close to openly threatening President Omer Al-Bashir over the eviction of 16 aid groups from Darfur.
The lawmakers’ travel to Khartoum also follows a visit by Senator John Kerry, who during his trip called for rebels to negotiate with the Government of Sudan and announced some Sudanese concessions on restrictions for humanitarian aid in Darfur.
Isakson noted Sudan’s readiness to end a period of mutually strident rhetoric that prevailed during the latter years of the Bush administration, when US Special Envoy Richard Williamson recommended several military options to President George W. Bush.
He indicated one motive for wanting to improve relations with the Government of Sudan, saying “The Sudanese government wants improved relations with the United States and demonstrated where it has been helpful to the United States — most importantly, in counter-terrorism.”
Spy chief Salah Gosh, who visited the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters in Langley, Virginia in 2005, provided local music and dancing for the event Monday. “Our meals have been very good so far, but even at a dinner with dignitaries there is no cocktail reception or even a glass of wine with the meal. Sudan is an entirely dry country. Instead, they are constantly serving us juice, soda, coffee and tea in our meetings and with our meals,” described Isakson.
The United States, which played a central role in brokering the 2005 peace agreement, appears to be heightening pressures for a peace deal in Darfur, similar to the efforts it made in this regard in Abuja in 2006.
Vice President Ali Osman Taha, who was an important interlocutor with the US side during such discussions, has met with the recent American delegations.
US officials are trying to remain supportive of the 2005 agreement, including Isakson who called “essential” progress toward the implementation of the peace agreement.
The two lawmakers have also just visited North Darfur, where they met with the governor, senior state officials, the leadership of the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur and residents of Abu Shouk refugee camp.
(ST)