NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY URGES YUGOSLAV AUTHORITIES TO SHOW RESTRAINT
December 3, 1996 No. 232
AXWORTHY URGES YUGOSLAV AUTHORITIES TO SHOW RESTRAINT
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, currently travelling in Europe, today
expressed deep concern over developments in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
(FRY), and urged the Yugoslav authorities to show restraint.
"Canada has followed closely the protests and demonstrations in the FRY since the
government's decision to annul the results of the second round of local
elections," Mr. Axworthy said. "We are concerned that the government of the FRY
has chosen to ignore accepted international norms for conducting democratic
elections and that opposition candidates in major cities have been deprived of
their rightful places on local councils. Canada's Ambassador in Belgrade has
conveyed our concerns to the government of the FRY. The Ambassador warned the
government that failure to adhere to internationally accepted democratic standards
would have a negative effect on the normalization of relations between Canada and
the FRY."
Mr. Axworthy noted that the demonstrations in Serbia have taken place in a
relatively peaceful fashion. However, he expressed concern over Sunday's
announcement by the President of the FRY Federal Parliament, Dragan Tomic,
implying the possible use of force in dealing with peaceful demonstrations. The
decision today by the FRY to close down a key independent radio station in
Belgrade is a further regressive step, he said.
Failure of the FRY to respect the democratic process fully, and in all instances,
could have an impact on the pace and content of the normalization of its relations
with others, Mr. Axworthy said. "I intend to discuss the evolving situation with
colleagues participating at the Peace Implementation Conference in London."
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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