September 5, 2008
No. 197
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada has put in place targ geted sanctions against those in leadership positions in Zimbabwe.
"Since the election on March 29, and the presidential runoff on June 27, the Government of Zimbabwe has subjected op position supporters to intimidation and state-sponsored violence, and has made no visible effort to improve the lives of its citizens," said Minister Emerson.
"Despite efforts b y international mediators, and despite calls by the international community to return democracy to Zimbabwe, the government has shown itself unwilling to negotiate in good faith, and uninterested in meaningful reform.
"Canada's targeted sanctions send a clear message that we abhor the current Zimbabwe regime's perversion of a legitimate democratic process and the continuing human rights violations. These sanctions target t hose in power and will not affect the Zimbabwean people. We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance and support civil society."
The sanctions are being implemented through th e Special Economic Measures (Zimbabwe) Regulations. They comprise the following measures:
• a ban on the export of arms and related material to Zimbabwe or to any person in Zimbabwe;
• a prohibition on the transport of arms and related material to Zimbabwe aboard a Canadian vessel or aircraft;
• a prohibition on the provision of technical or financial assistance or services relating to arms and related material-including the provision, transfer or communication of technical data-to Zimbabwe or any person in Zimbabwe;
• a freeze on the assets of listed Zimbabwean persons and entities; and
• a prohibition on Zimbabwean aircraft flying over or landing in Canada.
"Canada announced an initial series of measures in June in respons e to the illegitimate presidential runoff," said Minister Emerson. "The measures announced today go further toward isolating and maintaining pressure on key members of the Zimbabwe regime.
"These sanctions will remain in effect until the Government of Zimbabwe has committed itself to positive shifts in policy that result in improvements in human rights, democracy, freedom and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. We continue to mon itor the situation to determine how best to encourage positive change in Zimbabwe."
More information about the Special Economic Measures (Zimbabwe) Regulations can be found on the Can adian Economic Sanctions website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/trade/sanctio ns-en.asp.
For Canada's past statements on Zim babwe, see:
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386341&Language=E&docnumber=150
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386322&Language=E&docnumber=147
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386120&Language=E&docnumber=99
http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386023&Language=E&docnumber=73
http://w0 1.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386021&Language=E&docnumber=72
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
