July 10, 2008
No. 157
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement in the wake of a deadly attack on peacekeepers of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID):
“Canada condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attack against African Union-United Nations peacekeepers, which has resulted in several deaths. The targeting of personnel serving in Darfur in the name of peace is completely unacceptable. All the armed groups that are parties to the conflict in Darfur must put an immediate end to these terrible acts of violence.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my condolences to the families of the peacekeepers who lost their lives, to Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and to Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the UN.
“This attack is the latest in a recent series of violent acts that seriously undermines prospects for peace in Sudan and impedes humanitarian efforts. That series includes the May 10 attack on Khartoum carried out by a Darfur rebel group, which Canada also condemns.
“There can be no military solution to the ongoing conflict in Darfur, and Canada urges the Sudanese government and the rebels to resume the negotiation process led by the African Union and the United Nations.”
For information on Canada’s contribution to establishing long-lasting peace in Sudan, please consult the following website: www.canada-sudan.gc.ca.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
