NEWS RELEASES
September 12, 2006 (5:00 p.m. EDT)
No. 100
CANADA STRONGLY SUPPORTS UN SECRETARY-GENERAL
STATEMENT TO SECURITY COUNCIL ON SITUATION IN DARFUR
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, made the following statement regarding the
deteriorating situation in Darfur:
“Canada fully supports the September 11 statement by the United Nations
Secretary-General on the deteriorating humanitarian, human rights and security
situation in Darfur. We agree with the Secretary-General that Sudan’s military build-up
is in clear violation of the Darfur Peace Agreement, and we call on all parties to respect
the agreement.
“Canada is working with governments in the region, Security Council members and
other international partners to urge the Government of Sudan to act responsibly and
accept a UN transition, consistent with UNSC resolution 1706. Canada adds its voice to
the Secretary-General and others calling on the Government of Sudan to cooperate in
bringing about this transition, which is an important step forward in establishing peace
for the people of Darfur.
“An early transition to a UN-led force would provide for the protection of civilians,
particularly internally displaced persons, and safe and unhindered access for aid
workers. In the meantime, it is critical that the international community maintain support
for the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) to ensure that there is no further
deterioration in the security situation in Darfur. Canada is a top contributor to AMIS and
has provided $190 million in funding since 2004, including $20 million recently
announced by the Prime Minister.
“Canada supports international efforts toward lasting peace, stability, and poverty
reduction throughout Sudan. Contributions focus primarily on helping to resolve the
humanitarian crisis in Darfur, and supporting the consolidation of peace following the
signing of the North-South Comprehensive Peace Agreement in January 2005.”
More information on Canada’s efforts to address the conflict in Sudan can be found at
http://www.canadasudan.gc.ca.
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