Obama names new envoy for Sudan and South Sudan

{mosads}Booth’s appointment comes as a growing number of lawmakers are warning South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir that U.S. aid to the world’s newest country is predicated on its commitment to peace and democracy. They worry about the ongoing tribal violence engulfing Jonglei state, the country’s largest, and reports of government support for rebels fighting across the border in Sudan.

“As my envoy, Ambassador Booth will spearhead U.S. efforts to press the parties to implement last year’s September 27 agreements and resolve their outstanding issues, including with respect to borders, the final status of Abyei, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of oil,” Obama said. “He will also lead our efforts to bring the conflicts in Blue Nile, Southern Kordofan, and Darfur to a peaceful end, and to promote inclusive governance and full respect for human rights in both states.”

Booth had been stationed in Addis-Ababa since 2010 and was replaced by Patricia Haslach in August. He previously served as ambassador to Zambia and Liberia.

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