Full Text of the Wolf-Capuano Congressional Letter

Dear Mr. President:

We are pleased that the administration has released its long-awaited comprehensive Sudan policy. We believe the strategy, properly and fully implemented, provides a strong framework to achieve our shared goal of a stable, democratic, and peaceful Sudan.

The strategy document spoke at length about the need for international cooperation in order to create meaningful incentives and pressures to use when negotiating with the Government of Sudan and other relevant actors. To quote from the document, "American leadership is essential to a more effective multilateral approach." We could not agree more.

As you prepare to visit China, we strongly urge you to make Sudan a priority in your bilateral discussions. As you are well aware, China is a major arms supplier and source of economic strength to the regime in Khartoum, and has a vital role to play in any ultimate resolution of the multiple crises in Sudan.

Many of us have previously asked you to make Sudan a priority in the U.S.-China relationship; however, your upcoming trip will be among the first tests of the administration's commitment to fully and faithfully execute the Sudan policy that Secretary Clinton outlined and you endorsed on October 19. Failure to exert sufficient public pressure on China regarding its relationship with Khartoum will send a signal to the rest of the world that the United States places other interests ahead of achieving peace in Sudan. If that happens, the talk of an American-led multilateral effort to bring peace and justice to this war-ravaged land will have been mere words.

Therefore, we ask that in your meeting with President Hu Jintao and other Chinese officials, Sudan feature prominently on the agenda. We ask also that you push for the Government of China to exert influence over Sudan to end its attacks in Darfur, faithfully implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement with South Sudan, prepare for free and fair elections, and make a renewed commitment to the ongoing peace process. Furthermore, China must be reminded of its obligations to cease any actions that actually contribute to the violence, namely the provision of weapons and technology which have aided the genocide in Darfur. A joint bilateral plan to address the crisis in Sudan referenced in the joint communiqué issued after your meetings in China would be a welcome signal of the administration's commitment to building the international coalition that is so sorely needed.

We look forward to continuing to work with you in the months ahead to create the conditions for a comprehensive, peaceful solution to the challenges in Sudan.

Sincerely,

Frank R. Wolf
Member of Congress