Bush signs measure pressuring Sudan

WASHINGTON -- President Bush signed a get-tough-on-Sudan resolution Monday meant to prod the government of Africa's largest nation toward ending a 20-year-old war that has killed some 2 million people.\nThe measure formally condemns human rights violations, alleges the Sudanese government uses food as a weapon and directs the president to impose sanctions against Sudan if he determines its government isn't negotiating in good faith.\nThe government of Sudan signed an agreement with rebels last Tuesday to suspend fighting during talks to end their 20-year-old war. The cease-fire paved the way for the government to lift a ban on relief flights to the southern Equatoria region Sunday.\nKnown as the Sudan Peace Act, the resolution carries a variety of possible penalties against Sudan if it negotiates in bad faith. The sanctions could include a downgrade of diplomatic relations, a United Nations arms embargo and attempts to deny the government use of its oil revenues. Bush signed it in the Roosevelt Room, with former Republican Sen. John Danforth of Missouri, Secretary of State Colin Powell and Sudanese religious and community leaders.\nIt would authorize $300 million over the next three years for peace efforts--money Congress would have to provide in separate legislation.\nSince 1983 some 2 million people have died in Sudan's civil war between the Muslim-dominated government and rebels seeking greater autonomy for the south. From the outside the conflict is often viewed as a religious war, but competition for oil, land and other resources also fuel it. Terrorist leader Osama bin Laden lived in Sudan for years.\n"The signing of the Sudan Peace Act into law represents an important step forward on the road to peace for Africa's longest civil war," said Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus.\n"The Sudan Peace Act maintains the pressure on the warring parties to resolve their conflict, demonstrates the continued interest of the United States in finding a lasting peace in this troubled nation and provides desperately needed assistance for the people of southern Sudan," Johnson said.