Bush signs Sudan act, imposing ultimatum

Christian Century, Nov 20, 2002

President Bush has signed the Sudan Peace Act, a bill many religious groups say could help end the country's 20-year civil war that has left 20 million people dead. "This act demonstrates the clear resolve of the United States to promote a lasting, just peace, human rights and freedom from persecution for the people of Sudan," Bush said in a signing ceremony October 21 at the White House.

The bill gives the government in Khartoum six months to broker a settlement with independence-minded rebels in the south. If the two sides deadlock, the bill will impose strict economic and diplomatic sanctions against Sudan. The Muslim-dominated north has been fighting the predominantly Christian populace in the south. Human rights and religious groups accuse the north of blocking food shipments and humanitarian aid. The bill authorizes $300 million over the next three years in aid.

Said David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism: "The United States will not stand idly by the persecution of innocent people." Serge Duss, director of public policy for World Vision, a Christian relief agency, said securing peace first is the key. "What we really need is a just and sustainable peace, and the humanitarian problems will be solved," Duss said.