CANADA TO CONTRIBUTE $20 MILLION TO AFRICAN UNION MISSION IN SUDAN

News Release

September 22, 2004 No. 109 Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement after Prime Minister Paul Martin announced in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly that Canada will contribute $20 million to an enhanced African Union (AU) mission in Sudan: “Canada remains deeply concerned by the grave situation in Darfur. We strongly support the resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council on September 18, in particular its emphasis on the protection of civilians and the contribution that an enhanced African Union mission could make toward ending the violence. “The UN Security Council resolution calls for an enlarged African Union presence in Darfur. For this reason, Canada strongly supports this proposal and is offering $20 million to assist the AU to expand its presence, end the violence in Darfur and help restore security. “Canada strongly supports the AU’s efforts to resolve this conflict, through both its mediation efforts and its initial, rapid deployment of cease-fire monitors. We will continue to support this demonstration of African leadership and the AU’s capacity to manage conflict continentally. “We urge other countries to join in this effort. This is a unique opportunity for the international community to act and save lives. The situation in Sudan has been extremely difficult, the horror and suffering are real, and the need for an urgent and international response is obvious. “Canada once again urges all parties to engage in negotiations to address the political causes of this conflict. We will continue to call upon the Government of Sudan to fulfill its responsibility to protect its people. Prime Minister Martin is discussing this issue today at the UN General Assembly. “We will continue our efforts to urge Security Council action on this issue. We will remain outspoken on the issue of war crimes and crimes against humanity, urging the Council to take the necessary steps to investigate through independent means all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.” - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.international.gc.ca

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2016-12-15

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CANADA TO CONTRIBUTE $20 MILLION TO AFRICAN UNION MISSION IN SUDAN

News Release

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