NEWS RELEASES
September 22, 2004 (2:20 p.m. EDT) No. 109
CANADA TO CONTRIBUTE $20 MILLION
TO AFRICAN UNION MISSION IN SUDAN
Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement after
Prime Minister Paul Martin announced in his speech at the United Nations General
Assembly that Canada will contribute $20 million to an enhanced African Union (AU)
mission in Sudan:
“Canada remains deeply concerned by the grave situation in Darfur. We strongly
support the resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council on September 18,
in particular its emphasis on the protection of civilians and the contribution that an
enhanced African Union mission could make toward ending the violence.
“The UN Security Council resolution calls for an enlarged African Union presence in
Darfur. For this reason, Canada strongly supports this proposal and is offering
$20 million to assist the AU to expand its presence, end the violence in Darfur and help
restore security.
“Canada strongly supports the AU’s efforts to resolve this conflict, through both its
mediation efforts and its initial, rapid deployment of cease-fire monitors. We will
continue to support this demonstration of African leadership and the AU’s capacity to
manage conflict continentally.
“We urge other countries to join in this effort. This is a unique opportunity for the
international community to act and save lives. The situation in Sudan has been
extremely difficult, the horror and suffering are real, and the need for an urgent and
international response is obvious.
“Canada once again urges all parties to engage in negotiations to address the political
causes of this conflict. We will continue to call upon the Government of Sudan to fulfill
its responsibility to protect its people. Prime Minister Martin is discussing this issue
today at the UN General Assembly.
“We will continue our efforts to urge Security Council action on this issue. We will
remain outspoken on the issue of war crimes and crimes against humanity, urging the
Council to take the necessary steps to investigate through independent means all
violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.”
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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 and International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
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