AFRICA/SUDAN - White House sends letter to Catholic Bishop of El Obeid: “The President shares your concern for Sudan and is with you in the struggle for peace in your country ”

Rome (Fides Service)- In a letter addressed to Bishop Macram Max Gassis, Catholic Bishop of El Obeid, the United States of America has confirmed its commitment to work to restore peace in Sudan. Bishop Gassis himself informed Fides that the letter, signed by Barry Jackson, vice assistant to President George W. Bush, was a reply to a letter he had addressed to a Karl Rove, one of President Bush’s counsellors of.
The letter reads “The President shares your concern for Sudan and confirms his commitment to help the people of Sudan reach a peaceful solution to the civil war. A fundamental elements of the President’s plan for security in Africa is co-ordination with allies, friends and international institutions to mediate in conflicts and lead operations for peace”.
There is growing international commitment to end the 20 year war between Khartoum and the Southern Peoples’ Liberation Army SPLA. While an agreement has been reached to stop the war in the south, fighting is reported in the western region of Darfur. Three rebel groups, Sudan Liberation Movement, Movement for Justice and Unity, Sudan Federal Democratic Alliance have said they are willing to negotiate. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 6/2/2004, righe 23 parole 257)