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Obama Statement on Developments in Darfur

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ben LaBolt

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on yesterday’s developments in Darfur:

“Yesterday the African Union announced that the Sudanese government had accepted the deployment of a substantial UN peacekeeping force in Darfur.”

“While welcome news, it is news we have heard before -- only to see Khartoum backtrack as soon as the world's attention has shifted. Already Sudanese officials have suggested that the new reinforcements come from African countries -- an unacceptable precondition on the UN deployment.”

“The death toll is mounting daily in Darfur, and the number of civilians being reached by humanitarian organizations is shrinking. Yesterday's reported agreement must translate into real and immediate action to protect civilians on the ground. Like everyone else horrified by the genocide and ashamed of the international community's failure to respond more effectively, I anxiously await concrete evidence that the Government of Sudan is finally interested in halting its atrocities, reengaging in a political peace process, and allowing for the deployment of a strong and effective peacekeeping force.”