November 9, 2007
No. 158
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following
statement calling for action on Pakistan at the emergency meeting of the
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, which will be held November 12, in London,
England:
“The imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan and the ongoing crackdown against
opposition political parties violates the Pakistani people's right to freedom of assembly
and peaceful protest. This demonstrates a flagrant disregard for freedom, democracy,
human rights and the rule of law—values that Canadians hold dear. Commonwealth
members have agreed that respect for fundamental democratic principles is a basic
condition for participation in the organization.
“I have asked Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, James Wright, to
represent Canada at the November 12 meeting of the Action Group because of his
deep experience with the Commonwealth’s work to promote democracy. The meeting
will consider an immediate Commonwealth response as well as recommendations for
further action by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Kampala,
Uganda, later this month.
“Canada is pressing for a strong Commonwealth response that sets clear deadlines for
the end of the state of emergency and for the restoration of democratic processes and
principles. These principles include adherence to the rule of law, the release of political
prisoners, respect for judicial processes and the reinstatement of the judiciary, free and
fair parliamentary elections, and a clear separation between the head of government
and operational control of the army.
“I urge the government of Pakistan to take these actions immediately and I urge all
sides to refrain from violence and to respect human rights.”
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