WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House International Relations Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations Subcommittee, today called on the Arab League to employ all diplomatic means available to influence the Government of Sudan to end its military offensive in the Darfur region and accept a UN peacekeeping force to bring peace and stability to the region.   

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Amr Moussa, the Secretary General of the Arab League, Smith, Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) and over 172 other Members of Congress urged the Arab League to use their significant influence over Sudan, a member of the Arab League, to protect the vulnerable citizens of Darfur and restore the peace process.  The letter states that one immediate way the Arab League can intervene is by increasing pressure on the Government of Sudan to allow the UN peacekeeping force authorized in UN Security Council Resolution 1706 to carry out their mandate.

“The Arab League cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the genocide that is taking place in Darfur.  It is vital that the Arab League exerts their considerable influence over Sudan to end the regime’s violent attacks on the people of Darfur, get UN peacekeepers on the ground and generate positive progress toward peace and stability in the Darfur region,” Smith said.

Amnesty International, a leading voice in the efforts to end the atrocities in Darfur, strongly supports the Smith-Lantos letter as well as a similar letter that was sent to Secretary General Moussa from 98 members of the U.S. Senate.

“Amnesty International commends Congressman Chris Smith and Congressman Tom Lantos for their leadership on this issue. Getting UN troops on the ground in Darfur is the best way to protect civilians,” said Lynn Fredriksson, Amnesty International USA’s Advocacy Director for Africa.

The Smith-Lantos authored letter states in part, “We are writing to you, Mr. Secretary General, to ask you to use your authority to employ all diplomatic means available to encourage President Omar Hassan El-Bashir to halt Sudan’s military offensive in North Darfur, withdraw Sudanese troops from the area, and accept UN peacekeepers as the best option to enforce the ceasefire, protect civilians, ensure access to humanitarian assistance, and begin the path to reconstruction.”