International Response 8/04/2005

Rice says Sudan has credibility problem on Darfur
July 21, 2005 – Reuters
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday told Sudan's president his government had a "credibility problem" on the issue of Darfur and she wanted to see "actions not words." In a meeting marred by scuffles involving [Sec. of State, Dr.] Rice's aides and Sudanese security officials, [Sec. of State, Dr.] Rice told President Omar Hassan al-Bashir to stop violence, especially against women, in the remote western region of his country. After talking to women who were victims of abuse, [Sec. of State, Dr.] Rice said: "The stories are unbelievable but true ... we have got to have a better response (from the Sudanese government)."

U.S. names refugee expert as Darfur envoy
July 27, 2005 – Washington Post
The United States designated a troubleshooter Tuesday to work with Sudan's new national unity government toward an end to violence in the African country's western Darfur region. Roger Winter was named special representative for the deputy secretary of state, Robert Zoellick. Winter has a 25-year history of dealing with problems such as Darfur. Winter also worked on an April 2004 cease-fire in Darfur that "was an initial first political step toward ending the carnage taking place in that region."

One year after genocide declaration, Congress has balked on Darfur
July 22, 2005 – All Africa
Africa Action today acknowledged the leadership asserted by Congress one year ago, when it unanimously declared that genocide was taking place in Darfur, Sudan, but criticized the legislative branch for its failure to take sufficiently strong action since that time to provide protection to the people of Darfur. Salih Booker, Executive Director of Africa Action, said, "On the one-year anniversary of this critical Congressional statement on Darfur, the time for legislation is over, and the time for action is now."