US President George W. Bush called Rebecca Garang, the widow of former Sudanese First Vice President John Garang who was killed in a helicopter crash on July 30, to offer his condolences, the White House said on Monday.

During the telephone call, President Bush "offered his condolences on behalf of himself and the American people on the death of her husband, Vice President John Garang," White House spokesman Trent Duffy said.

"He also thanked her for calling for calm in Sudan. The United States is resolved to continue supporting implementation of a comprehensive peace accord to honor her husband's vision," Duffy said.

Garang, a former southern rebel leader, was sworn in as first vice president only on July 9.

Source: Xinhua