August 8, 2014 - The Honourable Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, today issued the following statement:
“Canada expresses its regret over the decision by the delegation leaders to leave the peace talks in Addis Ababa [Ethiopia].
“We urge both parties to respect the May 9 agreement to establish a transitional government of national unity through an all-inclusive process. Full participation in the talks must resume immediately.
“It is the people of South Sudan who pay the ultimate price for these political games. The continuation of hostilities only exacerbates the humanitarian catastrophe in South Sudan. Canada supports international efforts to address this crisis, including the key role played by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan [UNMIS] in protecting civilians and humanitarian workers.
“Furthermore, Canada is appalled by the brutal killings of six South Sudanese humanitarian aid workers earlier this week. These aid workers were there to provide lifesaving assistance to those most in need. We offer the deepest sympathies to their families and friends and to all South Sudanese who continually live in fear.
“Canada stresses that there can be no military solution to the ongoing crisis and urges both parties to end the conflict and resume talks.”
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