Debates of the Senate (Hansard)

1st Session, 41st Parliament,
Volume 148, Issue 9

Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker

Foreign Affairs

Sudan

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: I would like to ask a supplementary question to the Leader of the Government in the Senate.

I was recently in Juba in Southern Sudan, and I was also in Khartoum. July 9 is arriving soon. I did not see what we were doing to have a growing presence in Juba, the capital of Southern Sudan.

Last weekend, we read in the papers that there was terrible killing in the Nuba Mountains, and the Sudanese government has threatened a worse massacre in Eastern Sudan, as they did in Darfur. What are we doing to protect the Southern Sudanese and the people of Sudan?

Senator LeBreton: Canada has condemned the escalation of violence, and we urged all involved to work toward a peaceful transition to partition in early July. We have also called on the northern and southern representatives to withdraw their forces without delay and to ensure the protection of civilians. Canada also called on both sides to respect the comprehensive peace agreement that ended Sudan’s north-south civil war in 2005. The government, as a result of the financial aid that we have provided, has a great interest in Sudan.

As I indicated to Senator Dallaire, if there are further updates on the situation in Sudan, I will be happy to provide them.

(1630)

Senator Jaffer: Honourable senators, I was in Juba, and I have to commend our government for the great work it is doing in development and on maternal health in Southern Sudan.

Sadly, there is now great instability and again a breakout of war. What will our government do to help bring peace to that region?

Senator LeBreton: Again, as the honourable senator knows, the government has condemned the escalation of hostilities and, as I mentioned to her and to Senator Dallaire a moment ago, I will ask for an update on the situation in Sudan from the Canadian government’s perspective and provide a written answer.