Secretary Rice’s Meeting with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ismail

Secretary Rice’s Meeting with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ismail

Question: What did Secretary Rice and Sudan Foreign Minister Ismail discuss during their meeting last Friday (June 24)?

Answer: Secretary Rice and Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail had a frank and productive exchange on a range of issues pertaining to the continuing and positive implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Government of National Unity scheduled to be established July 9, while underscoring the need for immediate actions to end the violence in Darfur.

On Darfur, they discussed the need for the parties at the peace negotiations in Abuja, Nigeria, to remain at the talks and focus on achieving tangible agreements on peace and reconciliation urgently. Secretary Rice emphasized the continued need for Government of Sudan military forces to demonstrate restraint in Darfur and to halt all support of Arab militias. She particularly emphasized the need for steps to halt violence against women and young girls. The Secretary also stressed steps the Sudanese must take immediately to ensure free and unhindered access to the thousands of internally displaced persons by humanitarian organizations.

2005/665 Released on June 29, 2005

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC June 29, 2005 Question Taken at the June 29, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

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