U.S. releasing "comprehensive" strategy on Sudan: Obama

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday called for "a definitive end" to conflict in Sudan, and pledged American engagement with the African country.

"For years, the people of Sudan have faced enormous and unacceptable hardship. the Genocide in Darfur has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and left millions more displaced," Obama said in a statement.

"We must seek a definitive end to conflict, gross human rights abuses and genocide in Darfur ... the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and South in Sudan must be implemented to create the possibility of long-term peace. These two goals must both be pursued simultaneously with urgency," he said.