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<title>CANADA DEPLORES LATEST ARREST IN BURMA </title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">October 25, 1996 No. 198</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CANADA DEPLORES LATEST ARREST IN BURMA </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today called on Burma's ruling State Law
and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) to release immediately U Kyi Maung, vice-chair of the National League for Democracy, who was detained October 23 following
a peaceful student demonstration.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"We are very concerned about the continuing crackdown on the pro-democracy
movement. Dialogue is critical for national reconciliation and democratic reform
in Burma," said Mr. Axworthy. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"We call on the Burmese regime to end its repressive and restrictive policies, and
urge it to begin a dialogue with the opposition now," said Secretary of State
(Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Canada has repeatedly condemned Burma's unacceptable record of gross and
systematic human rights violations and the military regime's refusal to abide by
the results of democratic election. Canadian bilateral aid to Burma was suspended
in 1988, following the army's massacre of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators
in Rangoon. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Catherine Lappe</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Director of Communications</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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