July 2, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie and M.P. for Mégantic–l’Érable, today made the following statement:
“Canada cannot recognize the legitimacy of elections imposed by the Burundian authorities. The climate of intimidation, violence and fear imposed by the ruling party undermines any credibility in these elections. It is important to give the Burundian authorities a clear message: a forced vote is a stolen vote.
“Canada is alarmed by a level of political violence in Burundi not seen since the end of the civil war and the beginning of the very first mandate of the current government in 2005. President Pierre Nkurunziza’s actions threaten to ruin a decade of peace.
“We stand with the people of Burundi and call on the Burundian authorities to uphold the rights of their citizens and to resolve the ongoing tensions peacefully, thus demonstrating their commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
johanna.quinney@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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