August 2, 2007
No. 105
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, today welcomed the UN Security Council decision of
July 31, 2007, to establish a hybrid African Union-UN peacekeeping mission, UNAMID,
of up to 26,000 military, police and civilian peacekeepers in the troubled region of
Darfur. In the interim, Canada will provide an additional $48 million to the African Union
Mission in Sudan (AMIS).
Since 2004, including today’s announcement, Canada has committed approximately
$441 million toward humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding projects, reconstruction
efforts and support for AMIS, making it the fourth-largest donor to the mission.
“Canada welcomes the UN Security Council’s landmark decision to establish an AU-UN
hybrid peace operations mission in the troubled region of Darfur,” said Minister MacKay.
“This mission, coinciding with the renewal of the peace process, will be critical in
ensuring both an effective ceasefire and a lasting peace for the people of Darfur.
Canada welcomes Sudan’s pledged cooperation for this mission, and its willingness to
work with the international community to ensure its timely implementation.
“This hybrid mission will also assist in the protection of civilians, particularly internally
displaced persons, contribute to safe and unhindered access for aid workers, and
mitigate sexual violence,” the Minister added.
“Canada is a principal supporter of the African Union mission already on the ground in
Darfur, and I am pleased to announce that we are providing an additional $48 million to
this mission to facilitate its transition to the AU-UN hybrid force,” said Mr. MacKay. “This
new funding will ensure the provision of helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and aviation fuel
that is critical in allowing the AU to move troops and supplies around Darfur, a region
the size of Manitoba, but with very few roads.”
Canada’s approach to the crisis in Darfur has been to provide urgently needed
humanitarian assistance, protection for those affected by the conflict and support for
peacebuilding efforts.
For more information about Canada’s continued support to establishing peace in
Darfur, visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website,
www.canadasudan.gc.ca.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
