Prime Minister Martin welcomes steps toward peace in Sudan

Prime Minister Paul Martin today welcomed the inauguration of Sudan’s transitional Government of National Unity, an important step toward peace in Sudan.

“Canada welcomes the inauguration of Sudan’s transitional Government of National Unity, a key milestone in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement,” said the Prime Minister. The Agreement was signed on January 9, 2005, ending the decades-long civil war in southern Sudan. “We extend congratulations to both the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army, former parties to the conflict, now bringing about the formation of a transitional government,” added the Prime Minister. “Canada will continue to provide ongoing support for the successful implementation of the peace agreement.”

Senator Mobina Jaffer, Canada’s Special Envoy for Peace in Sudan and a member of the Prime Minister’s Special Advisory Team on Sudan, represented Canada at the inauguration ceremony in Khartoum.

“Canada has long been active in supporting efforts to bring about peace in Sudan,” said Senator Jaffer. “We are encouraged by this important step and we urge the parties to continue to implement key aspects of the peace agreement.”

The Prime Minister also welcomed this week’s progress at the Darfur peace talks in Abuja, Nigeria. On July 5, representatives from the Sudanese government, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army and the Justice and Equality Movement  signed a Declaration of Principles for the Resolution of the Sudanese Conflict in Darfur, signalling a positive breakthrough in the talks, which are now scheduled to reconvene on August 24.

Canada continues to call on all parties to the Darfur conflict to respect international human rights and humanitarian law, and to ensure the protection of civilians.

On May 12, 2005, in support of international efforts toward peace and stability in Darfur, Prime Minister Martin announced up to $170 million for the peace process, for peacebuilding and for increased assistance for the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). He also announced the creation of a Special Advisory Team, headed by the Prime Minister's Personal Representative for Africa Ambassador Robert Fowler, Senator Mobina Jaffer and Senator Roméo Dallaire. The $170 million package is in addition to the  $90 million in aid to Sudan that Canada had previously pledged on April 11 at the Oslo Donors Conference for humanitarian assistance and to help consolidate peace following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

For more information on Canada's role in Sudan, please visit http://canadasudan.gc.ca.