The U.S. Department of State invites journalists to participate in a conference call on Tuesday, November 23, at 11:00 a.m. EST with senior State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) officials in Sudan. Experts will share insights and perspectives from the field on the status of preparations for a peaceful, on-time referendum on Southern Sudan that reflects the will of the Sudanese people. The discussion will also focus on the support and technical assistance the United States has provided to support the parties as they work toward full and timely implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

USAID Sudan Mission Director William Hammink will offer brief on-the-record introductory remarks, followed by an extended on-background question and answer period with senior U.S. Government officials.

To join the call, dial 1-800-988-9661 from the United States or 1-212-519-0844 from overseas. The participant passcode is Sudan and the conference leader is Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs P.J. Crowley.