After holding talks with Qatar’s Premier, who also holds the foreign affairs portfolio, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Williamson told reporters: “It’s time for Sudan to translate its promises into action.”
Washington looks to work closely with Qatar in trying to bring international pressure to resolve the Darfur imbroglio.
The US goal in Sudan is to help relieve human sufferings in this troubled region. “It’s the world’s largest humanitarian crisis,” Williamson said of the situation in Darfur.
Some 300,000 to 400,000 people have died since violence began in 2003 and an estimated 2.7 million people, who have been driven away from their homes, are living in desperate conditions in Chad and Central African Republic.
In some camps as many as 93,000 people are cramped together. More and more people are unable to get food and medical aid. “The situation is desperate. Health and sanitary conditions in these camps are pathetic,” said Williamson, who was here to hold talks with senior Qatari leaders on the issue.
Addressing a news conference at the residence of the US ambassador to Qatar, he said the military was still bombing some areas in Darfur after the Sudanese president pledged unconditional ceasefire. On the other hand, violence continued to be perpetrated by bandits and militiamen who were earlier under the government’s control and their victims are innocent civilians.
“Notwithstanding the situation in Darfur, the position of the US is that we have come to a point where progress might be possible,” Williamson said, talking of the Sudanese government’s announcement of unconditional ceasefire, the promise of giving away compensation and its willingness to share power.
“It’s time for the world community to test these assurances and declarations,” said Williamson. Present with him was the US ambassador here, Joseph LeBaron, who earlier introduced him to the media.
