Ian Kelly
Department Spokesman
Washington, DC
December 29, 2009
The United States welcomes the continued engagement between Chad and Sudan to normalize relations as discussed during meetings last week with Chadian Foreign Minister Moussa Faki and Sudanese Presidential Advisor Dr. Ghazi Salahuddin.
The United States is encouraged by the decision of these two neighboring countries to implement their 2006 bilateral Security Protocol. We urge the parties to fulfill their commitments and set up an appropriate and effective border monitoring mechanism on their shared border as soon as possible.
The United States commends these steps and urges the Governments of Chad and Sudan to push forward with rapid implementation of the protocol. The meeting scheduled for January 7, 2010 in N'Djamena, Chad is a positive step toward implementation.
Full normalization of relations, including the ending of support for armed rebel groups on both sides, if fully implemented, remains a key element in advancing the Darfur Peace Process. The United States is fully committed to peace in Darfur and supports continued improvements in bilateral Chad-Sudan relations as an important step in that process.