Statement

This morning, I joined several other members of the House Sudan Caucus in meeting with Ambassador Susan Rice, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Ambassador Princeton Lyman, the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan. As you may know, tensions between Sudan and South Sudan have increased dramatically in the last few weeks as both countries have engaged in military attacks as well as heightened rhetoric. I am particularly concerned about the impact a return to war could have on the people of both Sudans, given that so many are already suffering from food insecurity and a lack of access to basic services. Ambassador Rice has been a strong leader on this issue and has used the U.S. presidency of the Security Council for the month of April to press for negotiations. I spoke with both ambassadors about the influence China and Russia have on the process, and I emphasized my skepticism about the willingness of the regime in Khartoum to deal in good faith. The Sudan Caucus is grateful for the work Ambassador Rice and Ambassador Lyman have been doing, and we remain committed to working for peace in the Sudans.