Cablegate: Canadian Support for Somalia Peace Agreement

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FM AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
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RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0433

UNCLAS OTTAWA 000801

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID SO CA
SUBJECT: CANADIAN SUPPORT FOR SOMALIA PEACE AGREEMENT

REF: A. OTTAWA 755
B. OTTAWA 737

1. (U) As yet another sign of Canada's continued attention
to and concern for the people of Somalia (reftels), Minister
of Foreign Affairs and International Trade David Emerson on
June 11 lauded the new peace accord between the Somali
Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for the
Re-liberation of Somalia, called on all parties for support,
and underscored Canada's ongoing assistance program. Full
text in para 2.

2. (U) Begin text

Canada congratulates the Somali Transitional Federal
Government and the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia
on concluding a peace agreement on June 9, 2008, in Djibouti.
This agreement is an important step in ending the tragic
18-year civil war that has brought much suffering to the
people of Somalia. We recognize the efforts of Ahmedou
Ould-Abdallah, UN Special Representative of the
Secretary-General in West Africa, in convening the peace
talks, and of the Government of Djibouti in hosting them.

Canada calls on all parties in Somalia to support the peace
agreement, end hostilities and work toward reconciliation.
Canada is deeply concerned by the current humanitarian
crisis, which has been exacerbated by the conflict. There
must be unhindered access within the country for humanitarian
actors, and greater efforts are required to protect human
rights and media freedom.

Canada has contributed more than $25 million in humanitarian
assistance since December 2006. This includes $16 million to
the World Food Programme and an additional $4.5 million to
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the
International Committee of the Red Cross and Canadian
non-governmental organizations. Canada also provides
$500,000 a year to support local projects in three priority
areas: good governance, democratic development and human
rights.

End text

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