Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Justine Rellosa- Talk Radio News Service

The President’s Special Envoy for Sudan General Scott Gration told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday that an international effort must be implemented in order to guarantee peace, accountability and security for Darfur as Sudan prepares for an independence referendum in 2011.

“We have to have more people join with us; That’s why we’re reaching out in a very concerted way to expand our team," Gration said. "Not that we’re stepping away, but to make sure that other people step up to the plate and this becomes an international issue to resolve, and not a U.S issue to fix."

Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) agreed with Gration's sentiments and said that Congress needs to “reengage on Sudan.”

“I am developing legislation to help shape our Sudan policy and ensure that our policies maximize the chances of peace,” Kerry said. “The bill will seek to re-frame U.S. assistance, prepare for the potential changes that may come and accelerate contingency development capacity.”