Rep. Barbara Lee Encouraged By New Sudan Policy

October 19, 2009 -- Washington, DC –Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement in response to the Obama Administration’s announcement that the U.S. will seek to end “gross human rights abuses” in Darfur, ensure implementation of a peace deal that ended war between northern and southern Sudan, and ensure Sudan does not provide a safe haven for terrorists.

"I am encouraged by the announcement of President Obama’s new policy toward Sudan and that existing sanctions against Khartoum will remain in place. The implementation of this policy is a necessary step towards ensuring stability and peace in the region and for the people of Sudan.

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“The people of Darfur are counting on us for help. I stand ready to work with the Obama Administration to end the genocide in Darfur and ensure that Khartoum lives up to its obligations to southern Sudan as outlined in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005.”

Lee has led efforts in Congress to end the genocide in Darfur, including authoring legislation signed into law to allow states to divest from companies doing business with the government of Sudan, and two separate resolutions calling for action on the part of the League of Arab States and the government of China to use their leverage with Sudan to end the genocide which both passed in the House. In December 2008, she joined Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and a number of her House colleagues in sending a letter to then President-elect Barack Obama on recommendations regarding the genocide the genocide in Darfur.

Source: Congresswoman Barbara Lee