NEWS RELEASES
CANADA CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
October 9, 2003 (11:45 a.m. EDT) No. 154
CANADA CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today condemned the violence in Ituri, in the northeastern part of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC), where reports indicate that some 65 people died, many of them children, and 20 were
injured on October 6.
"Canada urges the armed factions involved to immediately end the clashes that are seriously affecting the civilian
population," said Minister Graham. "We await the results of the investigation led by MONUC, the UN mission in the DRC,
and call on the recently established Government of National Unity and Transition in that country to take all necessary
measures to bring to justice those responsible."
Graham also urged all parties to the conflict to comply with international humanitarian law and, in particular, to protect
civilians and welcomed today's announcement of the forthcoming deployment of additional MONUC forces to help restore
peace and security in the Ituri district.
"It is disheartening to learn of this recent massacre, especially since there had been relative calm following the arrival of the
European-led multinational force and the subsequent deployment of new UN peacekeepers in early September," said
Minister for International Cooperation Susan Whelan. "Despite this deplorable event, Canada remains committed to
assisting the people of the region."
Since 1998, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has contributed over $80 million in humanitarian
assistance and support to longer-term development for the DRC. This year, CIDA has already committed over $9 million in
humanitarian assistance through partners such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, UNICEF and World
Vision.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
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
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Marta Anderson
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister for International Cooperation
(819) 953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
(819) 953-6534
info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
www.cida.gc.ca
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