Special envoy for Sudan peace process - Calgary Herald, October 27
DENNIS BUECKERT
OTTAWA (CP) - Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy has
launched a major initiative to encourage peace in Sudan, naming a peace
envoy and sending a fact-finding mission to the war-ravaged country.
The new strategy was immediately welcomed by human rights groups
who have been following the long and bloody conflict in Africa's biggest
country. Axworthy is inviting the Sudanese foreign minister and the leader
of the country's rebel coalition to Canada for discussions on how to
reinforce the existing peace process.
The multi-pronged strategy was announced Tuesday following allegations
that Calgary-based Talisman Energy is contributing to the conflict through
its involvement in oil exploration in southern Sudan.
"We want to find a peaceful solution in Sudan," Axworthy said after a
cabinet meeting. "We're also investigating whether the oil developments
there are a negative problem."
He named Liberal Senator Lois Wilson, a former United Church
moderator, as special envoy.
John Harker, an Ottawa-based expert on African issues has been
appointed to investigate allegations about human rights abuses.
It's estimated that almost two million people have died in the complex
conflict, and that four million have been displaced.
Axworthy said he wants Talisman to ensure that oil revenue is reserved
for humanitarian and development purposes, with the revenue shared
among all regions of the country.
A Foreign Affairs policy paper released Tuesday says "It appears
ownership of the oil is in dispute, including the benefits derived therefrom
and may, in part, contribute to the conflict."
If it becomes clear that oil exploration is contributing to the conflict,
Axworthy said he will consider economic and trade restrictions.
Next week, Axworthy is to meet Jim Buckee, president of Talisman,
Canada's largest independent oil company.
Talisman holds a one-quarter stake in the Greater Nile Oil Project, which
includes a 1,600-kilometre pipeline from the oil fields to the Red Sea.
Ernie Regehr, director of the peace group Project Ploughshares, said he
was impressed by the new federal policy.
"I think it describes a very constructive approach. It's especially welcome
to see them challenge Talisman to take measures to ensure oil revenues
are not exacerbating the conflict."
Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada, praised Ottawa for
showing strong political leadership.
"Band-Aid solutions are not enough for the children of Sudan. They and
their families need a comprehensive peace agreement so they can have
hope for the next century."
Dave Mann, a spokesman for Talisman, said the company is thrilled with
the federal position paper and will do what it can to support the peace
process.
He said it's wrong to portray the conflict as being between an Islamic
government based in the northern part of the country and a Christian
opposition in the south.
"The main dynamic in the south is tribal," he said by phone from Calgary.
"The central government does not have a lot of say on what happens in
the south."
U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright criticized Talisman last
weekend, suggesting the oil revenues would not benefit the Sudanese
population.
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