Richardson on Darfur (spoke at Save Darfur Rally today)

[seasat]

Richardson's Plan from his Press Release:

Governor Richardson outlined his strategies for US leadership on Darfur:

1. First, America must make peace in Darfur a much higher priority. I agree with Save Darfur--we need full-time, high-level US diplomacy dedicated to ending this crisis.
2. Second, America must engage Sudan's economic and political partners--China Pakistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the Arab League to build a multilateral coalition with real leverage. That could begin by endorsing the Arab League's commitments on Darfur--to aid the African Union's mission, to fund development in Darfur, and to support the UN hybrid force in Sudan.
3. Third, we should deploy a UN peacekeeping force to eastern Chad to prevent a regionalization of the conflict. America should join other wealthy countries to fund refugee camps in neighboring countries and assure that those weak states bend to accommodate, but do not break from the pressure.
4. Fourth, we should use our full diplomatic weaponry --offering incentives for compliance and threatening multilateral sanctions for resistance to both the Government of Sudan and the various rebel groups.
5. Fifth, we must develop agreed upon negotiating positions among the rebel factions, to assure that any common resolution won't be quickly undone by one dissatisfied rebel group.
6. Last, America should join the International Criminal Court.

"It's time for America to live up to its own ideals. It is time to do the right thing. It is time to Save Darfur," added the Governor.

Bill Richardson negotiated a 60 day cease fire back in January between the rebels and Bashir.

He's also negotiated the release of aid workers from Sudanese rebels in 1996 and US journalists from the Sudanese government in 2006.

[IA_Seth]

1. Now that's a cause worth fighting for...

Bill Richardson is the candidate that speaks to Darfur the strongest, IMO. I hope that he will stay on this and make it one of our central issues.

I'd be interested to see what all of the other Democrats actually supporting DOING in Darfur.

[applegrove]

2. I cannot wait until the helicopters are deployed.