NEWS RELEASES
October 10, 2005 (5:15 p.m. EDT)
No. 182
STATEMENT BY MINISTER PETTIGREW ON RECENT ATTACKS ON
AFRICAN UNION MISSION IN SUDAN PERSONNEL
Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today made the following statement on the
recent attacks on African Union Mission in Sudan personnel:
“Canada condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on the African Union
Mission in Sudan (AMIS) by armed groups in Darfur, which have resulted in the deaths
and abduction of AMIS personnel and civilian contract staff. We note the recent release
of the abductees and we call on all parties to the conflict to live up to their
responsibilities under the cease-fire agreement, to assist in bringing the perpetrators of
these latest attacks to justice, and to redouble their efforts to seek a peaceful,
negotiated solution to this conflict at the African Union-led peace talks in Abuja, Nigeria.
“Canada remains committed to working with the African Union to assist its efforts to
resolve this crisis and to promote an effective and successful peace process. Canada’s
package of assistance is designed to assist the African Union mission in enhancing its
operational effectiveness, including through the provision of armoured personnel
carriers. We call upon the Government of Sudan to work with the African Union to move
quickly to ensure the entry of all required equipment and material support for AMIS, so
that it is best able to carry out its crucial mission in support of the people of Darfur.”
Canada continues to work for peace in Darfur. On May 12, 2005, in support of
international efforts toward peace and stability in Darfur, Prime Minister Paul Martin
announced up to $170 million for the peace process, for peacebuilding and for
increased assistance for AMIS. He also announced the creation of a Special Advisory
Team, headed by his Personal Representative for Africa, Ambassador Robert Fowler,
and including Senator Mobina Jaffer and Senator Roméo Dallaire. The May 12 aid
package is in addition to the $90 million in humanitarian assistance that Canada
pledged on April 11, 2005, at the Oslo Donors Conference on Sudan. The $90-million
package was designed to help consolidate peace following the signing of the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Canada is present as an observer at the Abuja
peace talks, providing financial and diplomatic support.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
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