NEWS RELEASES
CANADA CONCERNED ABOUT ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN ZIMBABWE
April 18, 2000 (2:25 p.m. EDT) No. 79
CANADA CONCERNED ABOUT ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN
ZIMBABWE
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Secretary of State (Latin America and
Africa) David Kilgour today expressed serious concern over the increasing violence in
Zimbabwe on commercial farms and between political opponents throughout the
country.
"Canada looks upon Zimbabwe as a country with a tradition of strong legal and
democratic institutions," said Mr. Axworthy. "We are dismayed by the increasing number
of land invasions and the risk of escalating and widespread violence."
Canada is concerned, in particular, with the current lack of enforcement of the law, both
in the failure of the government to take action on court rulings and the apparent
passivity of the police when facing threatening political situations.
"We understand the Zimbabwean government's desire to promote land redistribution in
the country on the grounds of equity and poverty eradication. Zimbabweans will have to
find a homegrown solution to this emotive and historical problem themselves," said
Mr. Kilgour. "However, Canada believes that land redistribution should be conducted in
a manner that is transparent, peaceful, subject to consultation with all stakeholders and
carried out in accordance with Zimbabwean law."
"Canada calls upon the Government of Zimbabwe to respect the rule of law and to
ensure that the rights of all Zimbabwean citizens are fully protected. We also hope and
expect that the upcoming elections will be free, fairly administered, transparent,
peaceful and conducted with respect for opposing views," said Minister Axworthy.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has advised Canadians to
avoid political rallies and public demonstrations in Zimbabwe and not to visit areas
where there are farms occupied by war veterans.
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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
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