The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the announcement by the President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, of a unilateral ceasefire in Darfur:
"Canada is encouraged by the Government of Sudan's announcement of its unilateral ceasefire in the Darfur region. The Sudanese government must now fully implement this ceasefire and resist all provocation. Canada urges rebel and other armed groups to cease hostilities as well, in the interest of the security of Darfuri civilians.
"A comprehensive ceasefire is the first step toward creating favourable conditions for the resumption of peace talks and ensuring the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers in the region. Therefore, Canada calls on all parties to the conflict, which has devastated the lives of so many Sudanese people, to resume the negotiation process led by the United Nations and the African Union."
For information on Canada's contribution to establishing long-lasting peace in Sudan, please consult the following website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/sudan-soudan/index.aspx.
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