Signing of the Naivasha Protocols

The United States welcomes the May 26 signing of three protocols by the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. These protocols, taken together with the agreements reached previously, resolve the outstanding substantive issues that were at the heart of Sudan’s civil war. We commend both sides for their commitment to peace and urge them to move quickly to work out details of a formal ceasefire and related security arrangements, as well as the means for implementing the agreements signed today.

The people of Sudan can now hope for a new future of peace and prosperity. The United States is deeply committed to assist in the implementation of the peace agreement and in the process of reconstruction and development. We intend to work closely with the international community to ensure that Sudan enjoys the full benefits of peace.

However, Sudan will not be at peace until the problem of Darfur is resolved. We reiterate our call to the Government of Sudan to take the necessary steps to stop the violence being perpetrated by the jingaweit militias; protect civilians, facilitate unrestricted humanitarian access; and cooperate in the deployment of international monitors, and create conditions for the safe return of internally displaced people and refugees as soon as appropriate.

We look forward to embarking on a new relationship with a peaceful Sudan, including beginning the process of normalization of bilateral relations once the problems of Darfur are also resolved.
2004/596