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NEWS RELEASES

January 17, 1996 No. 7

CANADA CALLS FOR RESTRAINT AND FOR

THE RESUMPTION OF NEGOTIATIONS

IN THE CHECHNYA CONFLICT

Foreign Affairs Minister André Ouellet today expressed deep concern over the situation in the southern Russian village of Pervomaiskoe, where Russian Interior Ministry troops have been engaged in a three-day operation to resolve the hostage-taking crisis initiated last week by terrorists seeking independence for the neighbouring republic of Chechnya.

"President Yeltsin faces a difficult situation, but further bloodshed can only complicate the search for a durable solution to the conflict in Chechnya," Mr. Ouellet said. "I urge all parties to exercise restraint and resume negotiations toward a lasting political settlement."

Responding to reports of additional hostage takings by Chechen sympathizers, including the hijacking of a passenger ferry on the Black Sea, Mr. Ouellet noted that Canada condemns the use of violence to attain political ends, and called for the immediate release of all hostages.

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