NEWS RELEASES
CANADA REMAINS CONCERNED ABOUT ANTI-DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENTS IN FIJI
July 28, 2000 (5:55 p.m. EDT) No. 189
CANADA REMAINS CONCERNED ABOUT ANTI-DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENTS IN FIJI
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan today expressed
continued concern about the lack of democracy in Fiji and the spread of violence in that country. Minister
Axworthy discussed the Fiji crisis with other Commonwealth foreign ministers during bilateral meetings, while
he was in Bangkok to attend the 7th Association of Southeast Asian Nation's (ASEAN) Regional Forum and the
33rd ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference.
At the conclusion of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Meeting, ministers welcomed the recent release of the
hostages in Fiji and noted the interest of the ARF countries for Fiji's early return to democratic government.
"The absence of core George Speight supporters in the composition of Fiji's new government is encouraging,
but Canada will continue to consult closely with Commonwealth partners on the troubled situation in that
country," said Minister Axworthy. "We look forward to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG)
meeting in New York on September 15 where ministers will consider further measures to encourage the
restoration of democracy in Fiji."
"The recently announced ministerial and vice-ministerial line-up is clearly unrepresentative of Fiji. We call on
the new government to ensure that the interests and rights of all Fijians are respected, without regard to race,
and a clear timetable for an early return to democracy is put in place," said Mr. Chan.
At a special meeting of the CMAG on June 6 in London in which Canada participated, Fiji was suspended from
the councils of the Commonwealth pending the restoration of democracy and the rule of law.
Canada is concerned about continued civil unrest in the country and calls for calm. The Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade has advised Canadians not to travel to Fiji and for Canadians in Fiji to depart
while commercial means are still available.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Hilary Humphrey
Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)
(613) 995-1852
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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