Statement by Minister Bernier on Presidential Inauguration in Sierra Leone

News Release

November 15, 2007 (6:45 p.m. EST)
No. 161
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following
statement on the presidential inauguration in Sierra Leone:
“Canada is encouraged by the recent free and fair elections held in Sierra Leone. We
commend the results of these elections and the peaceful transition of power to the
former opposition party,” said Minister Bernier.
Canada contributed to both the recent legislative and presidential elections through the
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, which promoted voters’ rights and responsibilities,
particularly to women. The Canadian government also contributed through the National
Elections Watch, a coalition of more than 50 non-governmental organizations focused
on monitoring all stages of the elections.
"These elections represent another step toward the political stability of Sierra Leone
and the consolidation of its democratic development. Canada's support for Sierra
Leone's elections are fully in keeping with our efforts to promote our values of freedom,
democracy, human rights and rule of law," added Minister Bernier.
Representing the Government of Canada, Senator Raynell Andreychuk attended the
inauguration of the newly elected President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma.
Since the end of the war in 2002, Canada has been a key supporter of the Special
Court for Sierra Leone. Canada has contributed $5.2 million to the Court since 2002
and approximately $1 million a year of in-kind contributions in the form of legal expertise
and investigations training.
Eleven Canadian soldiers are also serving with the UK-led International Military
Advisory Training Team, which is providing training to the reformed Sierra Leone Army.
Canadian soldiers have been part of the Training Team since its establishment in 2000.
Sierra Leone is one of the two countries currently on the agenda of the UN Peace
Building Commission. Canada strongly supports the Commission and has contributed
$20 million to the UN Peacebuilding Fund.
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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 Bernier on Presidential Inauguration in Sierra Leone

News Release

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