NEWS RELEASES
CANADA WELCOMES RESULTS OF PEACE NEGOTIATIONS IN SUDAN
November 22, 2002 (1:45 p.m. EST) No. 155
CANADA WELCOMES RESULTS OF PEACE NEGOTIATIONS IN SUDAN
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today welcomed recent peace negotiations between the Government of Sudan and the
Sudan People's Liberation Movement, which have resulted in the signing of two memorandums of understanding.
The memorandums were signed in Machakos, Kenya, following five weeks of intense negotiations brokered by the
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The agreements, among other points:
• commit both sides to negotiating a peaceful settlement to the conflict;
• allow for the provision of unimpeded humanitarian access to Sudanese civilians affected by the civil war;
• provide for general elections within the next six years in both northern and southern Sudan; and
• commit Sudan to holding a referendum in six years on southern secession.
Under the agreements, peace talks have now adjourned and will resume in January 2003.
"Canada is strongly encouraged by the fact that both parties have agreed to find a negotiated and durable solution to their
long-standing conflict, in keeping with recommendations made by the international community," said Mr. Graham. "We
urge them to fully implement the agreements and work together toward building a lasting peace."
Minister Graham joined Senator Mobina Jaffer, Canada's Special Envoy to the Sudanese Peace Process, in congratulating
members of IGAD--the regional organization that was mandated by the Organization of African Unity to lead efforts to
bring about a comprehensive and just conclusion to the civil war in Sudan--for their role in the negotiations.
"These agreements will allow humanitarian relief to reach innocent Sudanese civilians who have suffered as a result of this
conflict," said Senator Jaffer. "It also offers hope that with continued support, the current peace negotiations could result in
a permanent cease-fire agreement."
In addition to providing humanitarian assistance and food aid to Sudanese civilians affected by the conflict, Canada
contributes to activities that support the Sudan peace process, such as training international and Sudanese monitors of a
cease-fire agreement covering the Nuba Mountains.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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