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THE WHITE HOUSE

                     Office of the Press Secretary
                     (Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard)
________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                    August 27, 1999

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

Appointment of Special Envoy for Sudan

President Clinton today announced that former U.S. Representative Harry Johnston has been named as Special Envoy for Sudan.

Mr. Johnston's mandate is three-fold. First, he will focus international attention on the appalling human rights situation in Sudan and press for improvements. Second, he will highlight the devastating humanitarian consequences of Sudan's 16-year civil war, pushing the warring parties to permit the unhindered flow of relief aid to vulnerable populations. Third, Mr. Johnston will work to strengthen the peace process conducted by the regional organization IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development).

Mr. Johnston's appointment underscores the importance the United States government attaches to ending the civil war in Sudan. He brings to this mission extensive experience and expertise gained during his years as a Member of Congress from Florida and Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa. He is currently an attorney with the law firm of Jones, Foster, Johnston, & Stubbs in West Palm Beach, Florida. He earned his law degree at the University of Florida.

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