Sen. Brownback Applauds Peace Protocols

( ICC) – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today commented on the historic peace protocols signed in the Sudan this week. The Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement signed three key peace protocols Wednesday, which were signed by Sudanese First Vice President Ali Osman Taha and SPLM/A leader John Garang. “These agreements mark an important and hopeful step in ending the longest running war in Africa and getting desperately needed humanitarian aid into the Sudan ,” Brownback said. “A key factor in this process was President Bush’s personal leadership on the issue. The tireless efforts of human rights and religious communities around the world maintained the pressure on the government of Sudan for many years. My hope is that all parties will seize the momentum of this breakthrough and make all efforts to rush aid to those who need it most.” Brownback continued, “The process of normalizing a bilateral relationship with the Sudan and the United States can only happen in the context of a comprehensive peace agreement and resolution of the situation in Darfur . This includes ending the violence being perpetrated by the militias, protecting civilians, facilitating unrestricted humanitarian access through the issuance of visas and travel permits, cooperating in the deployment of international monitors, and creating conditions for the same return of displaced people. “The government of the Sudan should be held accountable for ensuring the humanitarian crisis in Darfur has ended. The credibility of the peace process is at risk if the government of the Sudan does not cooperate in this area, especially in Darfur .”