NEWS RELEASES
May 14, 2004 (3:30 p.m. EDT) No. 70
CANADA CONDEMNS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
IN CÔTE D'IVOIRE
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following statement in response to
the report by the UN Commission of Inquiry investigating the events of March 25 and 26
in Côte d'Ivoire:
"Canada strongly condemns the serious human rights violations found by the
Commission of Inquiry. In particular, we denounce the abuses committed against
civilians by armed militias. It is incumbent on Côte d'Ivoire's head of state and
government to put a stop to these groups' activities and to ensure that those
responsible for acts of violence are brought to justice. There can be no peace in Côte
d'Ivoire until impunity is ended.
"We reiterate the necessity of setting up an international commission of inquiry to
investigate the human rights violations committed throughout the conflict, as set out in
the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement. We support the Security Council in its determination
to take the measures necessary to promote the implementation of this agreement.
"Finally, Canada calls for the immediate cessation of threats against foreign nationals
and international institutions."
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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