Statement by Minister Mackay on Closure of ICRC Field Offices in Burma

News Release

March 15, 2007
No. 41
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, today issued the following statement in response to the
closure by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) of two of its field
offices in Burma:
“Canada deeply regrets that the International Committee of the Red Cross was forced
to close two of its field offices in Burma as a result of unacceptable actions by the
Government of Burma. These actions include restricting the ability of ICRC staff to visit
detainees and to conduct independent field operations in sensitive border areas.
“The ICRC is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations. Its work in
upholding international humanitarian law, and in protecting and assisting victims of
armed conflict, is invaluable.
“Canada urges the Burmese Government to allow the ICRC to resume its work in
Burma free from hindrance and to remove the restrictions that have compromised the
ICRC’s effectiveness.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

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Statement by Minister Mackay on Closure of ICRC Field Offices in Burma

News Release

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