U.S. Senior Advisor on Darfur Travels to Qatar in Support of Doha Peace Talks

Media Note

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

(U.S. Department of State) - Ambassador Dane Smith, the U.S. Senior Advisor on Darfur, travels to Doha today to assist efforts between the Sudanese Government and rebel movements to gain commitments to a lasting ceasefire and political settlement at Darfur peace negotiations taking place in Qatar.

Recent developments in the Doha talks on Darfur show new promise, and Ambassador Smith will urge the parties to engage in a meaningful dialogue that produces concrete improvements in the security and humanitarian situation on the ground, ends suffering and conflict, and forges a lasting peace.

Following his trip to Doha, Ambassador Smith will continue on to Khartoum, where he will continue these efforts in meetings with senior Sudanese officials. At the end of his trip, Ambassador Smith will travel to Kampala, Uganda, to encourage members of Darfuri armed movements presently outside of the peace process to join the talks in Doha.