April 22, 2008
No. 95
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement about the ongoing crisis in Zimbabwe:
"Canada is deeply disturbed by reports of ongoing and increasing violence in Zimbabwe, which has resulted in the death, beating, detention or displacement of hundreds of Zimbabweans. We call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to desist immediately from actions that employ the coercive powers of the state for political ends.
"Canada welcomes the injunction of the High Court in Durban, South Africa, on the transshipment of weapons and ammunition destined for Zimbabwe. Canada believes that the transfer of weapons and ammunition to a country with a persistent record of serious human rights violations is deeply troubling, particularly during a time of political uncertainty. We note the principled decision of the South African dock workers not to unload the arms shipment bound for Zimbabwe, and we call upon countries in the region to do their part to ensure that weapons and ammunition are not introduced into Zimbabwe at this sensitive time. Canada welcomes the leadership of Zambia's President Levy Mwanawasa on this issue.
"This past week, in Ottawa, I conveyed to African representatives Canada's concern that the credibility of Zimbabwe's presidential elections is being compromised by delays in announcing election results. I noted that Canada is deeply distressed by the conduct of security and paramilitary forces in Zimbabwe and urged African leaders to play a more active role in defusing Zimbabwe's crisis.
"We reiterate our call for all Zimbabweans to exercise calm and restraint during this period of political uncertainty, and to work with leaders in the region toward a peaceful, democratic resolution of the present electoral crisis.
"The people of Africa have struggled too long and too hard to have their rights compromised, and their systems distorted, by those who would seek to play the politics of power with the institutions of democracy."
Recent news releases on Zimbabwe:
April 17, 2008
CANADA EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN ZIMBABWE
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386086&Language=E&docnumber=91
April 3, 2008
STATEMENT BY MINISTER BERNIER ON DEVELOPMENTS IN ZIMBABWE
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386028&Language=E&docnumber=75
April 2, 2008
CANADA WELCOMES OPPORTUNITY FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE IN ZIMBABWE
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386023&Language=E&docnumber=73
March 31, 2008
CANADA EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER DELAY OF OFFICIAL RESULTS OF
ZIMBABWE'S ELECTIONS
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386021&Language=E&docnumber=72
February 1, 2008
CANADA EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER DETERIORATING SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=385814&Language=E&docnumber=24
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
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613-995-1874
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