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<title>AXWORTHY CONDEMNS SHOOTING DOWN OF CONGO AIRLINES JET AND URGES AN IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">October 14, 1998 (3:30 p.m. EDT) No. 243</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">AXWORTHY CONDEMNS SHOOTING DOWN OF CONGO AIRLINES JET AND URGES AN
IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today condemned the recent shooting down of a Congo Airlines jet near
the town of Kindu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and urged all parties to renew immediately
negotiations to achieve a cease-fire in the conflict. He also expressed deep concern at this further loss of life
and at indications that ethnic hatred and acts of violence are on the rise in the region.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"The use of missiles represents an intensification of the fighting, with its possibility of further deterioration,
making it even more urgent for all parties to resume negotiations under the leadership of African leaders for a
cessation of hostilities," said Mr. Axworthy. "Canada remains deeply concerned by the lack of movement in the
negotiations."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Minister also underlined his previous calls for action by the international community to support African
efforts in the search for an immediate cease-fire, the withdrawal of foreign troops and a negotiated settlement
to the current dispute that will ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of
Congo and its neighbours.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Civilian populations are once again the principal victims in this conflict, which has sparked civilian acts of
ethnic violence and discrimination," added Mr. Axworthy. "Canada reminds all parties that they will be held fully
accountable for any breach in humanitarian law and human rights."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The downing of the Congo Airlines commercial jet is the latest major development in the conflict, in which
forces loyal to the Congolese government have been opposed by rebel fighters since August 2.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<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>
<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>
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