<html>
<head>
<meta name="Generator" content="Corel WordPerfect 8">
<title>AXWORTHY CONDEMNS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND URGES AN IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE</title>
</head>
<body text="#000000" link="#0000ff" vlink="#551a8b" alink="#ff0000" bgcolor="#c0c0c0">
<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">January 25, 1999 <em>(10:15 a.m EST)</em> No. 9</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">AXWORTHY CONDEMNS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND URGES AN IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed his growing concern over the various reports of human rights abuses in the Makabola
and the Ubangi regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He urged President Laurent Kabila to co-operate with the UN Special Rapporteur
mandated to investigate the alleged incidents.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"The UN Special Rapporteur must be permitted to shed light on these allegations," said Mr. Axworthy. "Canada reminds all parties that they will
be held fully accountable for any breaches in humanitarian law and human rights."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Minister reiterated his support for African leaders in their efforts to initiate a cease-fire, the withdrawal of all foreign troops and the beginning
of an all-inclusive political discussion process to settle the current dispute.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"A sustained armed conflict can only result in the death and injury of more innocent civilians," said Mr. Axworthy. "It is imperative that all parties
resume negotiations toward a cessation of hostilities."</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<multicol cols="2" width="553" gutter="46">
<p><font face="Arial">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
</multicol>
<p><font face="Arial">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
</body>
</html>
