NEWS RELEASES

June 9, 2005 (4:10 p.m. EDT)
No. 106

MINISTER PETTIGREW CONCERNED ABOUT
VIOLENCE IN ETHIOPIA FOLLOWING ELECTIONS

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today expressed concern over reports of violence following irregularities in the post-election process since the May 15, 2005, elections in Ethiopia.

“While the May elections represented an important step in the consolidation of Ethiopia’s democracy, the events of this week give cause for concern,” said Minister Pettigrew. “We are alarmed by the security forces’ violent reaction to demonstrations, which has resulted in the loss of life. We call on all parties in Ethiopia to exercise restraint and allow the post-election process to continue in a peaceful and orderly manner.”

“Canada urges all political parties to wait for the official results before claiming victory and to take any concerns over disputed figures or alleged irregularities to the appropriate authorities for resolution,” added the Minister.

The May 15 elections are Ethiopia’s third general elections since the passage of a new democratic constitution in 1994. The elections were, for the most part, held in a calm and peaceful environment. However, premature claims of victory, allegations of vote tampering, and the ongoing delay of the official announcement of the results have led to heightened tensions throughout the country and confrontations between student demonstrators and police. At least 22 people have died and hundreds have been injured as a result of these incidents.

The Canadian Embassy is closely monitoring the current situation and the post-election process.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca