September 23, 2005
No. 169
Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierre Pettigrew today made the following statement on the
resumption of the Darfur peace talks and recent incidents of violence in the region of
Darfur, Sudan:
“Canada welcomes the resumption of the African Union-led peace talks in Abuja,
Nigeria, as a crucial step along the road to achieving a lasting peace in Darfur. This
round of peace talks is all the more important in light of recently reported violence in
Darfur, and specifically reports of renewed violence initiated by a rebel faction in
Sheiria.
Canada is deeply concerned, in particular, about the protection of civilians in the region.
Canada calls on all parties involved to ensure the safety and security of aid workers and
allow humanitarian agencies full and unhindered access to people in need. We urge all
parties to exercise the utmost restraint in these circumstances, and to continue to seek
a peaceful, negotiated solution to the conflict.”
Canada continues to work for peace in Darfur. On May 12, 2005, in support of
international efforts toward peace and stability in Darfur, Prime Minister Paul Martin
announced up to $170 million for the peace process, for peacebuilding and for
increased assistance for the African Union Mission in Sudan. He also announced the
creation of a Special Advisory Team, headed by his Personal Representative for Africa,
Ambassador Robert Fowler, and including Senator Mobina Jaffer and Senator Romeo
Dallaire. The May 12 aid package is in addition to the $90 million in humanitarian
assistance that Canada pledged on April 11, 2005, at the Oslo Donors Conference on
Sudan. The $90-million package was designed to help consolidate peace following the
signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Canada is present as an observer at
the Abuja peace talks, providing financial and diplomatic support.
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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
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
