(No. 127 – April 3, 2010 – 11:30 a.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is closely following the repercussions from Thursday’s events in Guinea-Bissau, particularly the arrest and detention by the armed forces of the Prime Minister, Carlos Gomes Junior, and of the chief of staff of the armed forces, General Jose Zamora Induta.
“I am concerned by the threat posed to the achievements reached democratically by the people of Guinea-Bissau,” said Minister Cannon. “It is essential that the constitutional order and the rule of law be respected, and that the current differences be resolved in a peaceful way.
“These events are particularly disturbing in light of the successful presidential elections in June and July 2009, which showed the population’s strong commitment to democracy and gave hope for sustainable peace.”
Despite this setback, Canada remains committed to the peacebuilding process in Guinea-Bissau, and supports the continued work of the international community in bringing security and stability to the country’s people. As a member of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, Canada will continue to support the Commission’s mandate to deliver tangible progress to the citizens of Guinea-Bissau.
– 30 –
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Ève Cardinal
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
