NEWS RELEASES

August 15, 2000 (4:55 p.m. EDT) No. 202

CANADA DEPLORES VIOLENCE IN KASHMIR

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan today condemned recent acts of terrorism in Kashmir that have killed or injured hundreds of people in the region.

Over one hundred people are reported to have died since the beginning of August in an upsurge of violence coinciding with the launch of peace negotiations between the Government of India and a militant group in Kashmir known as the Hizbul Mujahaddin. A large proportion of the victims were civilians, including journalists and pilgrims.

"Canada deplores the recent terrorist attacks in Kashmir by those intent on undermining a negotiated peace settlement there," said Mr. Axworthy. "I urge the Hizbul Mujahaddin and other militant groups to call an immediate cease-fire and to return to peace talks with the Government of India as soon as possible."

The Minister also condemned the targeting of innocent civilians, and noted that such heinous practices would only make a political solution more difficult to achieve.

"We urge all parties to demonstrate flexibility and understanding when negotiating such complex and sensitive issues," said Mr. Chan. The Secretary of State also called for respect for human rights in the region and adherence to international humanitarian law.

The peace talks collapsed when the Hizbul Mujahaddin revoked a cease-fire with the Government of India on August 8. Related violence in Kashmir persisted over the weekend with a further 21 deaths reported.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Jonathan Yendall

Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)

(613) 995-1852

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874