Canada Concerned by Violence in South Kordofan, Sudan
(No. 166 – June 16, 2011 – 7:05 p.m. ET) John Baird, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, today issued the following statement regarding the escalating violence in the state of South Kordofan, Sudan:
“Canada is deeply concerned by the recent violence in South Kordofan and its impact on civilian populations. Canada condemns the aerial bombings and attacks against civilians that have displaced more than 60,000 people, according to the UN.
“Canada calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and urges all parties to ensure the utmost protection of civilians, including by providing full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.
“The issues at stake in South Kordofan must be resolved by consultation and negotiation, and not by violence.”
Canada has contributed over $885 million toward peace, humanitarian assistance, development aid, security and peacebuilding in Sudan since 2006.
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