(No. 60 - February 9, 2011 - 4:25 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement expressing concern over recent violence in Indonesia, including the burning of two churches in central Java yesterday and an attack against a group of Ahmadi Muslims over the weekend:
"Canada is concerned about the recent incidents of violence in Indonesia. We encourage Indonesia to continue to uphold its long-standing tradition of fostering unity and tolerance, and protecting religious freedom, including the rights of minorities. This includes the need for Indonesia to review its laws, including the blasphemy law, to ensure that religious freedom and expression are respected."
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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
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