Russ Feingold: “I join the American public and the international community in congratulating the signatories of the recent peace…”

“I join the American public and the international community in congratulating the signatories of the recent peace agreement signed in Abuja, Nigeria on May 5, 2006. I hope that this peace agreement marks a dramatic turning point in bringing about a solution to the genocidal conflict that has ravaged the Darfur region of Sudan. The administration deserves to be commended for getting the Sudanese government and the Sudan Liberation Army to the table and for maintaining a commitment to completing this peace process. This does not mean, however, that we or the international community can return to complacency, satisfied that we have done our part. Quite the contrary. At this point, it is essential that the peace agreement be expanded to include those parties that have not yet signed. Those without a stake in the current political power and wealth sharing agreements will have few incentives to help build peace in the region, and will most likely be spoilers to the peace agreement. These parties must be encouraged to join and abide by the accord. Additionally, it is critical that the international community, working with the African Union, the United Nations, and regional partners, develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure that the peace agreement is implemented and adhered to by both the Government of Sudan and the Sudan Liberation Army. The Darfur region is facing an extremely fragile period.…”