ATLANTA (April 29, 2009) – A bill that will impose financial sanctions on the Government of Sudan by prohibiting Georgia state government entities from entering into contracts with companies that have certain Sudanese business interests was signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue Wednesday at the State Capitol. State Senator David Adelman (D-Decatur) authored this bi-partisan legislation (Senate Bill 170) which is an important step toward stopping the mass genocide taking place in the Sudanese southern region of Darfur.
“Georgia is doing the right thing imposing this economic sanction on Sudan’s government,” says Adelman. “The Darfur genocide has been perpetrated by militias who are directly funded by the Sudanese government, which is, in turn, financially sustained by the investments of foreign companies that are involved in Sudan’s oil, power, mining, and military sectors. With this law Georgia is increasing the pressure on Sudan to end these crimes against humanity.”
Since 2003, more than 400,000 civilians have been killed in Darfur. An additional 2.7 million persons have been forced from their homes into refugee camps. Earlier this year, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. In reaction, Sudan expelled a dozen humanitarian groups from Darfur, worsening the conditions of the millions of Sudanese living in camps which Adelman says only increases the need for quick and responsive sanctions against Sudan.
According the bill’s language, SB 170 becomes effective upon the governor’s signature. Both the Georgia House and Senate overwhelmingly passed the measure during the 2009 General Assembly.
Sen. David Adelman serves as Minority Whip and chairman of the Urban Affairs Committee. He represents the 42nd Senate District which includes portions of DeKalb County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.1376 or by email at david.adelman@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
April 30, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber,Director
Matt Colvin Communications Associate
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028