Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me today in urging both Sudans to cool the current tensions that threaten to reignite war. Cross-border bombings and support for proxy rebellions in each other's territory undermine progress toward stability and development.
Canada strongly encourages both governments to take all measures to protect civilians, including religious and ethnic minorities, and to prevent a humanitarian crisis. This is particularly urgent in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, where humanitarian access is essential to stave off near famine conditions.
Sudan and South Sudan must redouble the efforts mediated by the African Union to negotiate post-independence arrangements, including on oil, citizenship, and borders.
Only through the peaceful resolution of these issues will we see the establishment of two viable states at peace internally and with each other.