December 10, 2001
Ms. Theresa Taylor Survivors' Rights International

 
 
Dear Ms. Taylor:

Thank you for your email addressed to Mr. Andrew Natsios dated November 20, 2001 regarding the Special Report on Sudan and Terrorism. I read your report with great interest, as we at USAID have many common concerns. Specifically, of the concerns raised in your report, the Special Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan is involved in providing humanitarian relief in the Nuba Mountains (contingent upon a cease-fire in the region), assisting the war and drought affected civilians of Sudan, and eradicating forced abductions and slavery.
 

The State Department, through the Special Envoy for Sudan, has taken the lead on terrorism, diplomatic interventions, and the cessation of hostilities.
 

During his trip to Sudan in July, Mr. Natsios' theme was, "Preparing the South for a just peace." Indeed, in the months since the trip, this theme has become the basis for concrete goals and action in Sudan. Most significantly, the U.S. government has negotiated a cessation of hostilities in the Nuba Mountains to allow food drops to this historically isolated region. In your report, you correctly identified the Nuba Mountains as a symbolic region, nearly depopulated by starvation.
 

So far, that cease-fire has held, but the U.S. continues to push for an extension to establish continuous, unimpeded access for relief and rehabilitation programs. As we speak, Roger Winter is with the technical team in Sudan, following up on the work of Senator Danforth. The team there is not being lenient with the Government of Sudan. They are laying down strict measures, which will be followed by strict monitoring.
 

Negotiations on assistance to the war and drought affected civilians will extend far beyond the Nuba Mountains. The Government of Sudan has recently agreed to a period of tranquility of four days across the country for polio vaccinations. The U.S. government is requiring additional activities during this period as well as time-limited zones of tranquility for areas most affected by the war.
 

In terms of slavery, the U.S. government is beginning research and programs along the northern Bahr el Ghazal-South Darfur/West Kordofan geographic zone. Programs aim to prevent raiding and abduction through tribal reconciliation. This will be complimented by State Department monitoring and verification of any further abductions.
 

Like your organization, the U.S. government and the Special Humanitarian Coordinator are committed to seeing an end to this horrific war. We too believe that the bombing, starvation, and slavery must be halted. Thank you for focusing the efforts of your organization on Sudan and the detailed report you have provided.

 
 
Sincerely,
Richard Owens Coordinator,
Sudan Task Force
USAID

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