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AXWORTHY AND MINNA CONDEMN ESCALATION OF VIOLENCEIN SUDAN

August 10, 2000 (11:30 a.m. EDT) No. 197

AXWORTHY AND MINNA CONDEMN ESCALATION OF VIOLENCE

IN SUDAN

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Minister for International Co-operation Maria Minna today condemned the recent escalation of the conflict in Sudan as evidenced by the Government of Sudan's aerial bombing of civilian targets, including aid operations, and the breaking of a humanitarian cease-fire in Bahr el Ghazal by the Sudan People's Liberation Army.

"The recent escalation of fighting by both parties as well as the bombing by government forces of humanitarian aid operations will only kill and displace more innocent Sudanese civilians," said Minister Axworthy. "I am particularly shocked by the military's systematic targeting of civilians and relief organizations, which will only increase the number of casualties in this conflict and compound the suffering of the Sudanese people. Canada has continually pressed for a discussion on Sudan at the United Nations Security Council. Given recent developments in that country, we have formally requested that the Council be briefed by the UN Secretariat on the current situation there."

"The hindering of aid is in direct violation of international humanitarian law and the deliberate bombing of aid operations is even more offensive considering Sudan approved these aid agencies working in the country," said Minister Minna. "It is shameful that in this war-torn country, aid is being targeted and prevented from reaching the people in need."

Both Ministers noted with concern that UN-led relief flights in southern Sudan had been temporarily suspended after government forces dropped 18 bombs on Monday, August 7, near a base run by Operation Lifeline Sudan in the town of Mapel in Bahr el Ghazal province.

Mr. Axworthy urged the parties to adhere to humanitarian cease-fires and to resume peace negotiations under Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) mediation. Canada and IGAD Partner Forum (IPF) core countries will reiterate the IPF's desire for a speedy resumption of peace negotiations during meetings in both Khartoum and Nairobi with the parties to the conflict. Finally, the Minister re-emphasized the need for IGAD mediators to engage with all stakeholders, particularly the National Democratic Alliance, in order to reach a comprehensive and just resolution to the conflict.

Canada is a core member of the Sudan Committee of the IGAD Partners Forum, currently co-chaired by Italy and Norway, which was established to give support to IGAD's mediation of the conflict. In July 1999, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) announced support of $300 000 for the IGAD Talks Secretariat for Sudan and other civil society peace initiatives. CIDA has also contributed over $100 million in emergency relief to Sudan since 1990.

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