Canada Urges Respect for Minorities in Sudan

OTTAWA, Canada, April 23, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada calls for calm following an attack on a church frequented by South Sudanese in Khartoum, Sudan. We are concerned about the vulnerability of Southerners in Sudan to hardening rhetoric and violence at the hands of radical groups.

“Both governments have an obligation to protect each other's nationals, including ethnic and religious minorities and those affected by conflict along the border regions. Both sides must renew their commitment to the agreement signed on March 13 on the status of nationals that includes the protection of the four freedoms of residence, movement, economic activity and property rights.

“Fighting in the border areas must stop. Canada appeals to both sides to exercise restraint and return to the negotiating table for the security and prosperity of both countries and their people.”