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<p><font size="+1"><strong>February 1, 2005 <em>(5:40 p.m. EST)</em><br>
No. 22</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA WELCOMES REPORT OF UN INTERNATIONAL
COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON DARFUR</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement regarding
the UN report on Darfur:</p>
<p>"Canada welcomes the report of the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry
on Darfur. The report determined that the Government of Sudan and rebel groups in
Darfur have committed serious violations of international human rights and
humanitarian law. </p>
<p>"The report found that the Government of Sudan, directly or through the militias under
its control, has not pursued a policy of genocide in Darfur. However, the
UN Commission has determined that equally serious crimes, such as war crimes and
crimes against humanity, have been committed.</p>
<p>"The Government of Canada strongly supports the recommendation of the
UN Commission's report that the Security Council immediately refer the situation in
Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC). It is vital to recognize that international
crimes such as crimes against humanity and war crimes are no less serious than
genocide, and that the perpetrators of these crimes must be held accountable.</p>
<p>"Canada is a strong supporter of the ICC and believes that it is the most appropriate
international legal instrument to address the findings of this report and bring the
perpetrators of these most heinous violations to justice. We continue to urge all parties
to the peace negotiations to remain committed to this process and ensure respect for
international human rights and humanitarian law." </p>
<p>The International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur was established by the United
Nations Security Council on September 18, 2004, to investigate violations of
international human rights and humanitarian law in Darfur, to determine whether acts of
genocide had taken place and to identify the perpetrators of such violations to bring
them to justice. The investigation took place from October 2004 to January 2005, and
the Commission submitted its report to the High Commissioner for Human Rights on
January 25. The report was released to members of the Security Council on January 31
and made public on February 1.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Sébastien Théberge<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs<br>
(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221012001/http://www.international.gc.ca/">http://www.international.gc.ca</a></p>
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