NEWS RELEASES

August 16, 2004 (2:30 p.m. EDT) No. 93

CANADA VIGOROUSLY CONDEMNS THE MASSACRE OF CONGOLESE REFUGEES IN BURUNDI

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew issued the following statement regarding the massacre in the Gatumba refugee camp in Burundi, where more than 150 civilians, mostly women and children of Banyamulenge origin, were killed:

"The Government of Canada strongly condemns this horrible attack, and the citizens of Canada join me in expressing their condolences to the families of the victims.

"Such an occurrence is a reminder of just how fragile the peace processes in the African Great Lakes countries still are, requiring sustained efforts from the international community. The protection of civilians is fundamental and must be the focus of the attention of all parties concerned.

"We are anxious that the investigation by the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations Operation in Burundi shed light on this tragedy and that those responsible be brought to justice as quickly as possible."

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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 and International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca