Canada calls for ‘redoubled’ peace efforts in Sudan

January 9, 2008 (OTTAWA) — Canada’s foreign affairs minister on Wednesday called for “redoubled efforts” to achieve full implementation of a peace pact in Sudan, on the third anniversary of its signing.

The agreement ended over two decades of civil war in southern Sudan between the government and the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.

“Despite progress in key areas of the agreement, some of these critical provisions remain to be fully implemented,” Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier said in a statement.

“Canada believes full implementation of the agreement represents the cornerstone of efforts to achieve a lasting peace throughout Sudan,” he said, urging a “spirit of compromise” in the negotiations.

Bernier praised the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement’s recent decision to recommence participation in the national unity government, as well as the government for including rebels in its cabinet.

As well, he welcomed the January 1 transfer of authority over peacekeeping operations in Sudan’s volatile Darfur region from the African Union to an African Union-United Nations hybrid force.

But Bernier said he “strongly condemns” a January 8 attack on an AU-UN supply convoy by “elements of the Sudanese armed forces,” and expressed “serious concern” at the rise of tensions between Sudan and Chad.

He urged both countries to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue.

(AFP)