Canada reiterates support to Darfur peace process
March 26, 2008 (EL-FASHER) — The visiting Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier reiterated Canada’s support for Darfur peace process as well as financial support to the hybrid peacekeeping operation in the war-wracked region.
Bernier announced on Wednesday during a visit to the capital of North Darfur State that Canada’s continued support for international efforts to achieve sustainable peace in Darfur and the implementation of peace through humanitarian and diplomatic action.
Canada, the second-largest voluntary financial supporter of UNAMID after the United States, will allocate up to $71 million in voluntary support for the UNAMID and UNMIS peacekeeping missions in Sudan; and continue the loan of over 100 armoured personnel carriers to UNAMID troop-contributing countries.
The minister reaffirmed the Canada’s commitment to continue providing humanitarian assistance to the affected civilians in Darfur and to support the hybrid peacekeeping mission of the United Nations and the African Union working in Darfur.
Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency, will provide up to $100 million in humanitarian assistance, early recovery and governance to address the needs of the conflict-affected people of Sudan. This is an increase from $71 million in 2007-08.
Also he stressed his country’s commitment to participate in the International Donors Conference on Darfur, which he said will be held in Paris, in the coming weeks in order to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to support the long-term programmes on development Darfur.
Bernier urged the United Nation, the African Union and the Sudanese government to work together to create the appropriate atmosphere to enable the displaced to return to their villages.
Bernier plans to travel Thursday to Juba to meet officials of the government of Southern Sudan.
In a conference call with Canadian press from Khartoum, Bernier was asked what would happen if the Sudanese government refuses to stop attacks against civilians or to facilitate the deployment of Darfur force.
Bernier said there’s an opposition motion on the Commons order paper calling for disinvestment in Sudan, and suggested the Conservative government might support such a motion if Khartoum remains intransigent.
“It’s up to them if they want to improve the relationship . . . they must show their willingness ,” he said.
(ST)