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Help Get More Co-Sponsors for the Capuano Resolution in the US House of Representatives

In the face of escalating attacks on Darfur, the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing offer a rare opportunity for the international community to exert pressure on China in regards to its relationship with Sudan.

As Sudan’s most important trading partner, China has unique influence with that country, and is thus considered one of the few nations that could stem the continuing tide of violence in Darfur. Yet China continues to protect Sudan diplomatically and shield it from international criticism. Moreover, it is one of the main suppliers of military equipment and weapons to Sudan—weapons which have been used against civilians in Darfur.

Rep. Michael Capuano has introduced House Resolution 1093, which calls for President Bush and other senior officials not to attend the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games unless China does the following:

Takes steps to stop selling military equipment, including equipment that can be used for military intelligence-gathering and communications, to Sudan
Persuades Sudan to end violent attacks in Darfur and allow for full deployment of UNAMID

We have gotten a good number of members of Congress to sign on, but more are needed to move the Resolution to the floor. ACT NOW – contact your member of Congress and urge him or her to become a co-sponsor.

Please send a letter encouraging your US Representative to sponsor Capuano’s Resolution and then support its passage.

The most effective letters are personalized; therefore please consider adding a line at the beginning of the email about why Darfur is an important issue for you.

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Send this message to:

Your Congressperson

Subject:

Dear [ Representative ],

(Edit Letter Below)

As your constituent, I strongly urge you to co-sponsor and then help ensure the passage of Congressman Capuano's resolution calling on the President to not attend the Olympics' Opening Ceremonies.  President Bush and other senior officials should only attend if China agrees to cease selling military equipment and weapons to Sudan and also persuades Sudan to end violent attacks in Darfur and allow for full deployment of UNAMID.

The Olympic Games are not simply a sporting event; as the International Olympic Committee has stated, they are meant to bring people together in peace to respect universal moral principles. I encourage you to uphold that commitment by taking strong action to stop the genocide in Sudan through support of this Resolution.

China is preparing to host the Summer Olympic Games.  Their slogan is "One World, One Dream."

However, that slogan is far from the reality in Darfur, Sudan, where the conflict there has just entered its fifth year.  China, Sudan's largest trade partner, has sheltered Sudan from international criticism, promising to veto any sanctions on Sudan's oil industry put before the UN Security Council.

Because China is extremely worried about how it is perceived with the Summer Games approaching, now is the time to act. Urge China to use its influence with Sudan positively by moving Sudan to end the violence.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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