Gration Returns from Sudan: Save Darfur Releases “Checklist” for Obama’s Sudan Policy

Checklist outlines key issues that must be addressed in Sudan policy review

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WASHINGTON – The Save Darfur Coalition today released a Checklist for an effective Sudan strategy, a tool that outlines the most critical issues for the Sudan policy review expected from the Obama Administration in the coming weeks.

The Checklist comes as U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration returns from his fifth trip to the region, and a week before President Obama’s first speech to the United Nations General Assembly and meetings with the G-20 group of countries.

The Checklist will be used to assess the Sudan policy review.  Save Darfur will regularly update the Checklist as the policy is implemented.

“This checklist highlights the key items that are needed in an effective policy to promote a lasting and all-inclusive peace.”  Jerry Fowler, the president of Save Darfur said. “As we move forward, we need to be able to hold the administration accountable for what the policy outlines.  Implementation will be vital.”

The Checklist  includes the following items:

• Comprehensive Approach to Sudan. The plan must address all of the interconnected crises in Sudan
• Comprehensive U.S. Effort. The plan must ensure that the U.S. government is coordinated in their efforts regarding Sudan
• Multilateral Engagement from the U.S. The plan must emphasize the importance of building a strong multilateral coalition
• Multilateral Action Toward Sudan. The plan must include a coordinated international strategy
• Offering Earned Incentives. The plan must map out a clear but conditional process toward normalization of relations with the U.S. if the government of Sudan adheres to specific requirements
• Preparing Serious Consequences. Plan must make clear that if Sudan does not adhere to specific requirements, escalating costs will ensue
• The Imperative of Leadership. President Obama must direct and empower his administration to pursue a strategy of peace

To view the Checklist, please visit savedarfur.org/checklist.

Jerry Fowler is also available to comment on General Gration’s trip and the Checklist.  Please call Emily at 202-525-8153 or email emily@savedarfur.org for an interview.

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About Save Darfur Coalition: The Save Darfur Coalition – an alliance of more than 180 faith-based, advocacy and human rights organizations – raises public awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur and mobilizes a unified response to the atrocities that threaten the lives of people throughout the Darfur region. The coalition’s member organizations represent 130 million people of all ages, races, religions and political affiliations united together to help the people of Darfur. For more information on the coalition, please visit www.SaveDarfur.org.