Calling On The Government Of China To Stop Genocide And Violence In Darfur, Sudan

Floor Speech

CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA TO STOP GENOCIDE AND VIOLENCE IN DARFUR, SUDAN -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 06, 2007)

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I wish to support H. Res. 422, a resolution calling on the government of the People's Republic of China to use its unique influence and economic leverage to stop genocide and violence in Darfur, Sudan. This resolution highlights China's inaction regarding the genocide in Darfur and I am particularly proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution.

* Since the conflict began 4 years ago, 400,000 persons have been murdered and 2.5 million displaced. Thousands are still dying from the ravages of war each month in an area roughly the size of Texas. This campaign of terror in the region has been labeled ``genocide'' by our Government.

* China is Sudan's largest trading partner and the main foreign investor in Sudan's oil industry. China National Petroleum Corporation has a 40 percent share in the international consortium extracting oil in Sudan, and it is building refineries and pipelines, enabling Sudan to benefit from oil-export-revenue since 1999. Although most Western oil companies have withdrawn from Sudan under pressure from human rights organizations, Chinese companies have turned a blind eye to the brutal way in which Sudan forced 2.5 million of its citizens from oil-rich lands without compensation. Nor have these companies shown concern that Sudan uses oil revenue to purchase arms for its wars against its population.

* Mr. Speaker, countless people have spoken out against the tragedy taking place in Darfur, but now it is time for elected leaders to demand that action be taken to end this genocide in Darfur. If we fail to take action it is likely that future generations will view our inaction as complicity. I am hoping that our government will do everything in its power to stop this genocide. Additionally, it is my strong desire that the international community, including China, do everything in its power to end this genocide as well.

* H. Res. 422 calls on the People's Republic of China to acknowledge and condemn the violence taking place in Darfur, cease all military arms and equipments sales to Sudan, and suspend economic ties to Sudan until the Government of Sudan stops attacking civilians, complies with UN Security Council resolutions, and enters into peace negotiations with rebel groups.

* Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 422, a resolution calling on the government of the People's Republic of China to use its unique influence and economic leverage to stop genocide and violence in Darfur, Sudan.

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