Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of the First Vice President of Sudan

Prime Minister Paul Martin today made the following statement on the news of the death of Dr. John Garang de Mabior, First Vice President of Sudan:

“It was with great sorrow that I learned of the death of Dr. John Garang yesterday in a helicopter accident in southern Sudan. On behalf of the people of Canada - and in particular the Sudanese-Canadian community - I would like to express my deepest condolences to Dr. Garang’s wife and family, as well as to the Government and people of Sudan.

Dr. Garang was a leader and visionary, whose commitment to bringing peace to Sudan was recognized three weeks ago on his inauguration as First Vice President in a new government of national unity. Canada's deepest hope is that Dr. Garang's life will be honoured by an even more persistent effort to secure a lasting peace in Sudan, including in the western Darfur provinces, as well as the country's eastern and southern regions.

I join with the members of Canada's Special Advisory Team, Ambassador Robert Fowler, Peace Envoy and Senator Mobina Jaffer and Senator Romeo Dallaire, in pledging not only our nation's condolences on the passing of Dr. Garang but also our commitment and assistance in helping encourage progress toward peace for all the people of Sudan.”