(No. 323 - October 29, 2009) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on Zimbabwe’s denial of entry of United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Manfred Nowak:
“Canada is very concerned at the denial of entry by Zimbabwean authorities of UN Special Rapporteur Manfred Nowak. This inappropriate treatment is a breach of accepted international behaviour. It further highlights the need for the Zimbabwe Inclusive Government to resolve its long-standing political dispute in order to comprehensively address the continuing violation of human rights and the fundamental disregard for the rule of law in the country.
“Canada has repeatedly called for the full implementation of the Global Political Agreement as the best means of ensuring Zimbabwe’s democratic transition. We eagerly await the findings of the Southern African Development Community Troika delegation, now in Zimbabwe, and its plan of action for unblocking the political impasse in Harare.
“Canada calls on Zimbabwe to reschedule the Special Rapporteur’s visit without delay so that he might begin his important work.”
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