Representative Frank Wolf (R-VA) Letter to Secretary Condoleezza Rice

Question:   Has Secretary Rice received a letter from Representative Wolf that criticizes the State Department for issuing a waiver to pay for a contractor for the Sudanese Government? If so, what is State's response?

Answer:   We work closely with Representative Wolf, value his perspective, and understand his concerns on this matter. Following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on January 9, 2005, we have seen increased dialogue among the parties, with talks continuing despite the recent increase in violence. In this case, we believed that Robert Cabelly, in advising the Sudanese Government, would provide a perspective on United States concerns and policy that would be useful in advancing the peace process and resolving the crisis in Darfur.