August 20, 2013 - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today issued the following statement:
“Canada welcomes the decision made by the newly constituted electoral court in Madagascar to remove the names of disputed presidential candidates Andry Rajoelina, Lalao Ravalomanana and Didier Ratsiraka from the electoral list.
“This decision upholds the spirit of the road map negotiated by the Southern African Development Community [SADC] and paves the way for elections to resolve the long-standing political stalemate in the country.
“Canada urges all political parties and security forces, as well as the general population, to help create the conditions for peaceful, free and fair elections, including through implementation of the SADC-mediated road map. Only through a credible election can Madagascar start to move beyond the political impasse that began with the 2009 coup.
“Canada will continue to support UN humanitarian projects in Madagascar and provide support to foster democratic values and prepare communities for a more democratic future.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Adria Minsky
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)
613-944-1291
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
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