STATEMENT

Statement From Congressman Mike Capuano on the Save Darfur National Rally to Stop Genocide

April 30, 2006

Congressman Capuano with Actor George Clooney at the Save Darfur National Rally to Stop Genocide. Download an enlarged photo

"Today, Americans are expressing their outrage and horror over the genocide in Darfur. You came to Washington to say: 'No more.' You have come from cities and suburbs, from college campuses and union halls, from churches, mosques, and synagogues to raise your voices for life and liberty, against slaughter and slavery. I am proud of the America you represent and I am proud to stand with you."

"Congress and President Bush have called the atrocities in Darfur genocide: almost half a million people killed, more than two million driven from their homes, families and villages destroyed by murder, rape and pillage. We all have a moral obligation to do everything possible to end the genocide and aid the survivors."

"Your voices will be heard. I am here to tell you that your elected leaders are listening. Together, we will make sure that the world listens too — we will expose the murderous regime in Khartoum, the killers in the Janjaweed, and the nations and corporations who seek business as usual with Sudan. I honor the states and universities that have divested in companies doing business with Sudan, and I urge others to follow their example. Genocide is intolerable and so is complicity."

Congressman Capuano waiting to address participants at the Save Darfur National Rally to Stop Genocide. Download an enlarged photo

"You are here today to shine a bright light on the horrors and to show the world that America will not stand quietly by while the genocide continues. Your presence today is testimony to the importance of human rights, basic human rights. Life or death. Freedom or slavery. The resolve of the American people to end this genocide is growing. That resolve is critical if America wants to continue to be the beacon of hope for the entire world."

Congressman Mike Capuano (D-MA) is the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Sudan. In February he traveled to the region on a Congressional delegation trip led by Rep. Nancy Pelosi. He recently met with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton to urge that peacekeeping forces be quickly moved into the region and last month secured an additional $50 million for the African Union Mission in Sudan through a House emergency appropriations bill.

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Contact: Alison M. Mills (617) 621-6208