Canada’s Graham hails new developments on Sudan’s Darfur region

OTTAWA, May 22, 2004 (Sudan Tribune) — Canadian foreign affairs minister Bill Graham yesterday welcomed the announcement by the Government of Sudan that it will ease travel restrictions on humanitarian aid workers.

In a press statement issued by the Canadian foreign ministry, Graham said “We are very pleased with this decision by the Government of Sudan”. “It signifies an important and constructive step by authorities to address the dire humanitarian and human rights situation in Darfur.”

Canada’s Special Envoy to the Sudan Peace Process, Senator Mobina Jaffer, was in Khartoum and Darfur from May 18 to 20. She met with the President of Sudan to express Canada’s ongoing concerns with respect to the Sudanese peace process generally, the obstacles encountered by humanitarian agencies attempting access to affected civilians and the human rights situation in the Darfur region.

“There is a need for all parties to the current conflict in Darfur to continue to negotiate a political solution,” said Minister Graham. “The Government of Sudan must ensure the protection of the civilian population, including humanitarian aid workers.”