Bishop Gregory calls for international action in Darfur

Published: 2004-11-17

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The outgoing president of the U.S. bishops' conference said the Sudanese government "must be held accountable by the international community" for the violence occurring in western Sudan's Darfur region. Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, Ill., said that killings have continued in Darfur despite numerous cease-fire agreements and promises by the Sudanese government to stop the violence. In a statement released Nov. 17 in Washington, the bishop called on the United States and international community to provide sufficient support to the African Union "so that it can move quickly to protect civilians," ensure delivery of humanitarian assistance, monitor cease-fire agreements and improve security in the region. "Tragically, human beings are still being killed, raped, starved and driven to desperation," he said.

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