PRESS RELEASES

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              
Contact: Deriece K. Bennett
April 5, 2007                                                                        (410) 841-3185

U.S Senator Benjamin L. Cardin joins the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland in Rally to Stop Genocide in Darfur, Sudan!

U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin joins Senator Verna L. Jones, Chair of the LBCM and Delegate Talmadge Branch, sponsors of 2007 Darfur Protection Act-Divestiture from the Republic of Sudan, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, State Comptroller Peter Franchot, State Treasurer Nancy Kopp, Joe Madison, President of the Sudan Campaign, Reverend Heber Brown, III, Vice President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and members of LBCM in a rally celebration for Maryland taking the initiative to divest from Sudan and in protest of the crimes against humanity in the Darfur region of Sudan.

The bill speaks to the need for affirmative divestiture action to combat the spread of human rights violations, genocide and terrorism in the Darfur region of Sudan. The bill also requires State Retirement Pension System to encourage companies with business and economic ties with the government of Sudan and to cease business activities in or with Sudan.  This bill also prohibits the Pension Board from making any new investments in companies with business or economic ties with the Sudanese government.

"The people of the Darfur region of Sudan are crying out for help during their time of despair. It is time for the United States to exercise international leadership and take greater strides to stave off a humanitarian disaster," said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, a Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "It is not enough to posture and threaten the government in Khartoum. It is time to exercise moral leadership and exercise more muscular diplomacy in an area where so little has been accomplished."

“America has used divestment before in fighting the unjust Apartheid regime in South Africa,” said Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown.  “Today, we have an opportunity to make the same type of difference – to confront the demons of a new generation – and to invest in a socially-responsible manner.”

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