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<title>AXWORTHY EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER WORSENING HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">September 4, 1998 No. 205</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">AXWORTHY EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER WORSENING
HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed concern over the worsening
situation in Afghanistan, and particularly recent reports of mass killings of
civilians by Taliban militia in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada condemns such gross violations of fundamental human rights," said Mr
Axworthy. "The Afghan crisis must be resolved through peaceful means."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Canada supports the work of the United Nations Special Envoy, and endorses
Security Council Resolution 1193, which calls for an immediate end to fighting and
for resumed direct negotiations among Afghan factions. Canada calls on all
parties, including neighbouring states, to refrain from actions which could
exacerbate the situation in Afghanistan.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Minister also expressed his concern for the safety of foreigners in the
country, and in particular the staff at the Iranian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif,
who have been missing since the Taliban captured the city on August 8, and whose
well-being remains uncertain.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Minister remains preoccupied by the serious humanitarian crisis in all parts
of Afghanistan and the systemic discrimination against women. He encouraged
efforts to facilitate the work of NGOs and international organizations in
providing humanitarian relief to all Afghanis in need.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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