March 28, 2008
No. 68
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Sudan this week to convey to the highest lev vels Canada's support for efforts to foster peace and security in Sudan. The Minister was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Deepak Obhrai.
"In my meetings with Sudanese aut horities, I conveyed Canada's concerns about the ongoing conflict in Darfur and the need to facilitate the full deployment of the joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission," Minister Bernier said. "I emphasized that Canada's bilateral relations with the Government of Sudan depend on the willingness and commitment of the Sudanese government to take steps to address the situation in Darfur, to protect the human rights of its citizens, to cooperate with the International Criminal Court, and to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, among other issues."
While in Sudan, Minister Bernier announced a new Canadian investment of up to $275 million in security, diplomacy and aid initiatives, including assessed contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.
"Canada has pl ayed a leadership role in supporting international efforts to establish sustainable peace and long-term stability in Sudan, and we remain committed to those goals," Minister Bernier added. "During my visit to Sudan, I observed the pressing nee d for the international community to continue to urge the Sudanese government to work toward building a culture of peace and stability throughout the country, and to support sustained efforts to do so."
For more information on Minister Bernier's trip to Sudan, please visit: www.international.gc.ca/about-a_propos/ministers-ministres/Bernier_sudan-soudan.aspx?lang=en
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