US praises Canada on Darfur aid

WASHINGTON, May 12 (AFP) — The White House said the United States welcomed Canada’s initiative to boost financial aid and logistics for peacekeeping efforts in Sudan’s Darfur region.

U.S. President George W. Bush shakes hands with Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin in April 2004.

“While there has been progress in reducing the suffering and loss of life, the crisis in Darfur continues,” said White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

“We commend Canada for acting to help people in need by offering assistance to the peacekeeping efforts of the African Union.”

The spokesman noted that Sudan continued to be “a high priority.” He said the United States also supported the African Union “on their peacekeeping and mediation efforts in Darfur.”

Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin announced Thursday his country would dedicate 136 million US dollars over two years to Darfur, added to the 72 million US dollars Ottawa had already committed last month to spending.

Canada is to supply planes, helicopters and material for African Union peacekeepers in Darfur, as well as 60 of its own troops.

As many as 300,000 persons may have died in the more than two years of violence in Darfur, which began when rebels rose up against the government in February 2003 and were put down with the help of pro-government militias.

Around two million people are believed to have been displaced.