WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, issued the following statements in response to recent events in Sudan:
“I welcome the signing of a security arrangement between North and South Sudan aimed at ending violence in the disputed border region of Abyei,” Senator Coons said. “It’s my hope that the agreed withdrawal of Sudanese armed forces and deployment of peacekeepers from Ethiopia will stabilize the area and allow for the return of those displaced by violence in May. I call on both parties to reach a permanent agreement on the status of Abyei and security arrangements for Southern Kordofan prior to the independence of South Sudan on July 9. The governments in Khartoum and Juba must use peaceful means to resolve any future conflicts as Sudan transitions toward two independent states.”
“As South Sudan’s independence quickly approaches, it is increasingly critical that the conflict over Abyei is resolved and the violence in Southern Kordofan ceases immediately,” Senator Isakson said. “I am encouraged by Monday’s agreement brokered in Addis Ababa, and I am hopeful that the Government of Sudan and the Southern People’s Liberation Movement will continue discussions to fully implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.”
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