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CANADA ANNOUNCES NEW SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SUDAN

August 9, 2002 (9:15 a.m. EDT) No. 95

CANADA ANNOUNCES NEW SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SUDAN

Bill Graham, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Susan Whelan, Minister for International Cooperation, today announced that Senator Mobina Jaffer will act as Canada's Special Envoy to the Sudanese peace process. The position was previously held by Senator Lois Wilson.

"I am delighted that Senator Jaffer has accepted this position and that she will continue the important work of Senator Wilson in promoting peace in Sudan," said Minister Graham. "While Canada is encouraged by the new round of peace talks taking place in Kenya, it deplores recent attacks against civilians and humanitarian installations in Sudan, which only serve to undermine efforts to end the conflict there. We urge the parties involved to cease attacking civilian and humanitarian targets, and to fully engage in peaceful negotiations."

Canada strongly supports the formal peace process of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which has been mandated by the Organization for African Unity to lead efforts to end the civil war in Sudan. Senator Jaffer will represent Canada at the IGAD Partners Forum, which brings together donor countries from around the world who provide support for the IGAD peace process. Senator Jaffer will also monitor the human rights situation in Sudan and maintain a dialogue with Canadian civil society on the Sudanese peace process.

"Senator Jaffer's assignment comes at a crucial time," said Minister Whelan. "We must pursue the opportunities made possible by progress in the peace talks, not only to allow for a political settlement to this war, but also to ensure the distribution of critical humanitarian relief to thousands of Sudanese civilians affected by years of war and drought. The UN's Operation Lifeline Sudan must be given unfettered access to these people."

Both ministers thanked Senator Lois Wilson for her commitment and dedication to fostering peace in Sudan. In particular, they praised her ability to raise the profile of the IGAD peace process--both domestically and internationally--as well as her ability to provide new and innovative ideas to reinvigorate the talks.

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Isabelle Savard

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Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

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(613) 995-1874

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

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Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)