NEWS RELEASES

May 18, 2000 (4:59 p.m. EDT) No. 108

CANADA ENDORSES UNSC MEASURES TO END CONFLICT IN ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour today announced Canada's support for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1298, adopted on May 17, which imposes sanctions against Ethiopia and Eritrea aimed at ending renewed fighting between the two countries.

Resolution 1298 imposes a comprehensive arms embargo on Ethiopia and Eritrea as a way of enforcing the Security Council demand for an immediate cease-fire and resumption of peace talks.

"Canada is deeply concerned over the renewed fighting in Ethiopia and Eritrea," said Mr. Axworthy. "We wish to remind both countries of the potentially dire consequences of engaging in warfare during a food crisis and deteriorating humanitarian situation brought on by three years of drought in the region. I urge the international community to cease military exports to these countries to avoid exacerbating what is already a grave situation." In addition, he noted that Canada had never exported military goods to Eritrea and that there have been no military exports to Ethiopia since 1996.

Minister Axworthy also called on both Ethiopia and Eritrea to implement an immediate cease-fire and to remain fully engaged in the Organization of African Unity peace initiative, most of which both countries have endorsed.

"We have activated our network of consular wardens and are contacting Canadians in both countries to ensure we have accurate information on their whereabouts and well-being," said Mr. Kilgour.

There are fewer than 100 Canadians registered with the Canadian Honorary Consul in Asmara, Eritrea, and approximately 500 registered with the Canadian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Tasha Stefanis

Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)

(613) 992-9404

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874