April 22, 2008
No. 94
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the need for accountability following post-election violence in Kenya:
"Kenya's government must ensure incidents of violence during the post-election crisis are thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.
"Canada welcomed both the political solution that ended the post-election crisis in Kenya and the coalition government established last week. However, hundreds of thousands of people remain displaced by the violence. Kenya's reconciliation process must address the legitimate security concerns of these people and ensure that perpetrators of violent acts are brought to justice."
The Minister's statement echoes a similar call made over the weekend by former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan. On behalf of the African Union, Mr. Annan successfully brokered the political settlement that ended Kenya's post-election crisis.
Canada strongly supported Mr. Annan's mediation efforts and is providing $4.3 million to UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations to assist those affected by the violence.
Previous news releases on Kenya:
April 14
CANADA WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT OF COALITION CABINET IN KENYA http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386066&docnumber=86&language=E
April 9
CANADA CALLS UPON KENYA'S POLITICAL LEADERS TO IMPLEMENT POWER-SHARING AGREEMENT http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386045&Language=E&docnumber=80
January 31
CANADA INCREASES ITS SUPPORT FOR HUMANITARIAN AID IN KENYA http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/CIDAWEB/acdicida.nsf/En/JOS-13182133-HP3
January 16
CANADA URGES POLITICAL RESOLUTION IN KENYA http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=385778&docnumber=12&language=E
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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
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