May 2, 2008
No. 103
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the situation in post-electoral Zimbabwe:
"More than a month after Zimbabwe's elections, the official results have finally been announced. Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, has won a clear lead over President Robert Mugabe. While the official results are contested, the Zimbabwean people's strong desire for change is now beyond question. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has stated that a run-off election is required, as neither candidate received more than 50 percent of votes.
"If a run-off takes place, it must be held in an open and transparent manner, in accordance with regional and international principles regarding elections. The presence of international and regional election observers will be essential.
"The electoral results come following an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation by state security and paramilitary forces against those thought to have supported the opposition in the March 29 elections.
"Canada strongly condemns the regime-sponsored violence: Zimbabweans should be free to exercise their democratic rights in an environment free from fear.
"Canada calls upon the leaders of the Southern African Development Community and the African Union to bring the full force of their leadership and principles to bear on efforts to resolve this crisis.
"Canada welcomes the United Nations Security Council's consideration of Zimbabwe this past week and supports the call for the appointment of a UN special envoy on Zimbabwe.
"Canada supports the appeal for an international moratorium on arms sales to Zimbabwe. The international community has a responsibility to prevent the delivery of arms and munitions that will risk exacerbating the tensions and violence in Zimbabwe."
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