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<title>CANADA'S EFFORTS IN SUPPORT OF THE PEACE PROCESS IN SUDAN</title>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>December 1, 1999 <em>( 4:10 p.m. EST)</em> No. 263</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>CANADA'S EFFORTS IN SUPPORT OF THE PEACE PROCESS IN
SUDAN</strong></font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that Senator Lois Wilson,
Canada's special envoy to the Sudan Peace Process, and John Harker, special advisor
on African issues, will both embark on independent missions to Sudan in the near
future.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"As a partner to the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Canada's
efforts focus on the reinvigoration of the peace process," said Mr. Axworthy. "Senator
Wilson will continue consultations with Canadian NGOs and academic representatives,
the Sudanese community in Canada and countries that support the mediation process,
as well as with both the government and the armed opposition of Sudan."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Senator Wilson is expected to travel to Sudan and Kenya in the near future. Prior to her
departure, she will meet in Ottawa with Bethuel Kipligat, a Kenyan civil society leader
and specialist on regional peace issues. During the week of December 13, she will also
meet with Dr. Haruun Ruun and Telar Ring Deng, both representatives of the New
Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC), and Sudanese officials to discuss the situation in
Sudan. The NSCC's activities include peacebuilding and co-ordinating church
development work. It also works with IGAD for north-south solutions.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Mr. Harker's mission, due to begin on December 3, will assess the human rights
situation, and examine the reported link of human rights violations and Canadian private
sector activities, as well as investigate allegations of slavery in Sudan. His mission team
leaves today and includes independent experts in field research, human rights and
humanitarian law. They will travel to Khartoum and accessible regions, including oil
fields, and will then proceed to southern Sudan. Mr. Harker's findings will be presented
to Minister Axworthy early next year.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"We remain deeply concerned about reports directly linking private sector interests to
the violation of human rights and humanitarian law in Sudan," said Mr. Axworthy. "It is
important to independently examine, from a Canadian perspective, suggestions that
conflict in Sudan is exacerbated by resource development."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Canada's commitment to human security guides its involvement in Sudan, particularly
with respect to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Canada's policy on Sudan
includes supporting the multilateral peace process, maintaining limited engagement
with the Government of Sudan, addressing human rights concerns, supporting civil
society, and continuing dialogue with the private sector and non-governmental
organizations.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">A backgrounder on Canada's Sudan Policy is attached to press release No. 232 and is
available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Web site.</font></p>
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