Press Statement John Kerry, Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 28, 2013
President Obama, myself, and his entire national security
team invested significant energy into thinking through the right person to
serve as the President's new Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, because
we know how critical America's commitment will be in helping create the
conditions for lasting peace and security in Sudan and South Sudan.
The appointment of Ambassador Don Booth, a seasoned
Foreign Service Officer, represents an important addition to our diplomatic
team, bringing nearly three decades of experience working on some of Africa’s
most pressing challenges, most recently as our Ambassador in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia. Don knows what a pivotal moment this is for the region, and he is
determined to help ensure it's a moment to move forward instead of slipping
backwards back into the cycle of violence, conflict, and mistrust.
While the ultimate choices reside with these two nations,
the United States will do everything we can to support those working for peace
and we will speak with candor about those whose actions undermine those hopes.
This cause is personal to me, and I know it is deeply
personal to President Obama and my colleague Susan Rice. I've seen firsthand
how invested the President and his Administration have been in the work to help
move the region forwards. When I was a Senator, I had the privilege of
supporting the diplomatic effort that led to South Sudan's independence, and on
the ground leading up to the historic referendum I witnessed the long lines of
people voting for a better way of life.
None of those brave people voted to create a failed state
or to return to the violence that has plagued their home for too long. If both
states put their people first by governing inclusively and democratically,
protecting human rights, and creating economic opportunity, they can make
progress on realizing the future their people deserve. This is a decisive
period.
Khartoum and Juba can choose the path of peace and
prosperity, or they can go backwards.
The President's appointment today of Ambassador Booth as
our Special Envoy underscores the United States' enduring commitment to the
people of Sudan and South Sudan, and to the cause of peace between and within
their two countries.
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Source: U.S. Department of State.
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