NEWS RELEASES
CANADA CALLS FOR AN END TO VIOLENCE IN CAMBODIAAND WELCOMES AUSTRALIAN ASSISTANCE TO CANADIANS
July 10, 1997 No. 116
CANADA CALLS FOR AN END TO VIOLENCE IN CAMBODIA
AND WELCOMES AUSTRALIAN ASSISTANCE TO CANADIANS
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lloyd Axworthy today called for an immediate end to
violence and a return to political dialogue between forces loyal to First Prime
Minister Norodom Ranariddh and those loyal to Second Prime Minister Hun Sen.
"Canada is very concerned about the situation in Cambodia. Reports of political
killings are extremely disturbing. We deeply regret that many people have lost
their lives, including one Canadian," said Mr. Axworthy.
"We expect Cambodia's leaders to abide by the terms of the Paris Accords and to
resolve their differences through peaceful political means. We urge that free and
fair elections be held as scheduled in 1998."
Although the situation in the Cambodian capital is now relatively calm, the
Australian government has decided to offer Australian Defence Force flights on
Friday, July 11, given the lack of available commercial flights. The offer has
been extended to Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and Swedish citizens.
"Canada is very grateful to the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh for the
assistance that it provides to Canadian citizens in Cambodia," said Mr. Axworthy.
"We particularly appreciate that they are facilitating the departure of those
Canadians who wish to leave at this time."
The Government of Canada is advising Canadians to avoid travel to Cambodia at this
time. Canadians seeking further information and guidance can call 1-800-387-3124
or 943-1055 (Ottawa).
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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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