Canada congratulates parties to Darfur Peace Agreement

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay today applauded the Government of Sudan and members of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) represented by Minni Arkou Minawi for signing the Darfur Peace Agreement in Abuja, Nigeria, at the peace talks led by the African Union (AU). He also welcomed the decision by a substantial number of members of the SLM/Abdul Wahid negotiating team to abide by the terms of the agreement, even though the movement itself has not yet signed.

Since September 2004, Canada has contributed a total of $218 million in support of diplomatic, humanitarian and African Union-led efforts to end the violence and bring peace to the people of Darfur. Canada remains a top contributor to the African Union Mission in Sudan, having provided 25 helicopters, two aircraft, 105 armoured personnel carriers and related equipment, as well as civilian police and military expertise. Full report Foreign Affairs Canada, May 5 2006 via Judeoscope.