AAI Praises Darfur Cease-Fire Agreement;

Signing Follows AAI Arabic Ad Campaign Pressuring for Action

WASHINGTON – Jan. 11, 2007 – The Arab American Institute (AAI) praised the cease-fire agreement reached yesterday by New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir regarding the dire situation in Darfur.  The agreement comes a week after AAI launched a stirring Arabic-language television advertising campaign throughout the Arab world that placed pressure upon the Sudanese government to address the Darfur crisis. 

        The ad, which was sponsored by AAI and paid for by the Save Darfur Coalition, is available for viewing at http://www.aaiusa.org

During yesterday’s talks, Gov. Richardson and President al-Bashir agreed that the Sudanese government and rebel groups will engage in a 60-day cease-fire and begin steps to enact a more permanent end to the conflict.

“It is our deep hope that the signing of this cease-fire agreement will bring an end to the violence in Darfur,” said AAI President Dr. James Zogby. “We commend Gov. Richardson, President al-Bashir and the Save Darfur Coalition for helping to reach this hopeful step towards peace.  AAI looks forward to the implementation of the humanitarian and security commitments made during the talks, and the immediate cessation of hostilities by all parties.”

About the Arab American Institute
Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent.  AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities. For more information on AAI, please visit http://www.aaiusa.org or call 202-429-9210.

About the Save Darfur Coalition – The Save Darfur Coalition raises public awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur and mobilizes a unified response to the atrocities that threaten the lives of people throughout the Darfur region. It is an alliance of more than 175 faith-based, advocacy and humanitarian organizations. The Coalition’s member organizations represent 130 million people of all ages, races, religions and political affiliations united together to help the people of Darfur. For more information on the Coalition, please visit http://www.savedarfur.org.