NEWS RELEASES

March 25, 2005 (11:00 a.m. EST)
No. 50

CANADA WELCOMES SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON SUDAN

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement on the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1590 on Sudan:

“Canada welcomes this development at the Security Council. We are particularly pleased that the Security Council Resolution will establish a United Nations Mission in Sudan to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army. This peacekeeping mission, which will comprise 10,000 military personnel, will be critical to the success of the cease-fire agreement.

“While we are pleased that this resolution has put forward concrete measures, Canada is very disappointed that it does not address impunity for serious international crimes committed in Darfur. The Government of Sudan, armed militias and rebel groups in Darfur have committed and continue to commit serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. It is vital that those responsible for these horrific acts be prosecuted.

“We urge the Security Council to act quickly to refer the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This would represent the best and most realistic option for ensuring timely accountability for these crimes and deterring further atrocities in Darfur.

“Canada will continue to use all diplomatic channels, including the United Nations, to urge effective action throughout Sudan, including Darfur.”

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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