Bush and Kerry on the Issue of Sudan

Oct 28, 2004 (AP) — Three times a week, The Associated Press picks an issue and asks President Bush and Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry a question about it. Today’s question and responses:

SUDAN: Under what conditions, if any, would you commit U.S. troops to the effort to end the genocide in Sudan?

BUSH: “Our nation condemns the atrocities that have occurred in Sudan and encourages an international diplomatic approach to put a swift end to the genocide and promote the establishment of a free and peaceful nation that respects human life. The State Department is pursuing a comprehensive approach to creating peace in Africa that does not, at present, include a major commitment of U.S. troops. We played a key role in negotiating the April 8, 2004, cease-fire in Darfur and in negotiating the entrance of African Union monitors. We are working with the United Nations to organize an international humanitarian force, have been asked by the African Union to airlift African Union monitors, and we will consider sanctions on the Sudanese government if they fail to cooperate with international peace efforts.”

KERRY: “The African Union has committed 3,000 troops to halt the violence against civilians and monitor the cease-fire agreement in Darfur, Sudan. At present, there is no request nor any requirement for U.S. or other non-African combat forces. The U.S. should provide generous logistical and financial support to the African Union force. The African Union needs an estimated $220 million for this mission. But so far, the U.S. has pledged just over $20 million – a woefully inadequate sum to halt the genocide. I will provide far more generous support. Should the African Union require additional assistance to halt the genocide, I would consider providing unique U.S. capabilities, such as command, control, communication and intelligence support, if requested.”