Washington D.C. – Congressman Howard L. Berman, Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Princeton Lyman as the Special Envoy for Sudan.

‪“Over the years I have worked closely with Ambassador Princeton Lyman on such important issues as refugee assistance and fighting against apartheid,” said Congressman Howard L. Berman. “I have a tremendous personal respect for Ambassador Lyman, and greatly appreciate his decision to come out of retirement to serve as the Special Envoy for Sudan. I believe there is no one better suited than Ambassador Lyman to advance President Obama’s Sudan policy in the days ahead as South Sudan makes its transition to independence and further steps are taken on unsettled conflict in Darfur and the referendum in Abyei.”

‪In August last year, Lyman was designated by President Obama to help manage the referendum on succession by Southern Sudan. As a seasoned and highly respected career diplomat, Lyman was instrumental in keeping negotiations on track between the North and South during the final days leading up to the referendum.