NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY CONCERNED ABOUT SITUATION IN CHECHNYA
October 1, 1999 (11:25 a.m. EDT) No. 215
AXWORTHY CONCERNED ABOUT SITUATION IN CHECHNYA
Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed concern over the situation in Chechnya.
"In my meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov in Ottawa on September 18, he and I rededicated
ourselves to combatting international terrorism. Canada condemns all forms of terrorism and supports efforts to
bring the perpetrators of recent attacks in Moscow, Dagestan and elsewhere to justice," the Minister said.
Mr. Axworthy added, "Since our last meeting, the crisis in the North Caucasus has deepened. Canada is
concerned about reports of mounting casualties in the civilian population, triggering a large outflow of
refugees."
Canadian officials are making representations in Moscow and held talks with Russia's Ambassador Churkin in
Ottawa yesterday. "Canada supports the need for a reinforced humanitarian presence and facilities in and
around Chechnya," the Minister said.
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Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
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