CAIRO: Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon today welcomed the decision of the United Nations Security Council to extend the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Mission in Sudan (UNAMID) to July 31, 2011. It comes as tension with the Sudanese government in Khartoum continues to increase as calls for the arrest of President Omar al-Bashir grow ever stronger. “Canada welcomes the resolution renewing the mandate of UNAMID to July 31, 2011. Canada commends the Mission's work and is encouraged that it will continue its efforts to support peace and stability in Darfur,” said Cannon in a statement from the Canadian foreign ministry. “The resolution strongly condemns all attacks on UNAMID personnel and calls on UNAMID to make full use of its mandate and capabilities to protect civilians and to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access,” he continued. He argued that the continuation of the mandate will call on the Sudanese government to adhere to all obligations of UNAMID and end the obstacles that have been placed on the troops attempting to do their jobs. The minister said Canada provides equipment, including armored vehicles, and training for police units to be deployed in the mission. Along with the United States, Canada currently co-chairs the Friends of UNAMID group. “As the UN Security Council resolution states, there can be no military resolution to the Darfur conflict. Canada fully supports the peace process in Doha, Qatar, led by the African Union-United Nations Joint Chief Mediator for Darfur, Djibrill Ypènè Bassolé,” Cannon added. BM
