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<title>AXWORTHY CONDEMNS TALIBAN FOR MURDER OF IRANIANS IN AFGHANISTAN</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">September 11, 1998 No. 209</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">AXWORTHY CONDEMNS TALIBAN </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">FOR MURDER OF IRANIANS IN AFGHANISTAN</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today condemned the Taliban in Afghanistan
for the murder of representatives of the Iranian consulate in the Afghan city of
Mazar-e-Sharif. He also indicated Canada's support for the United Nations Security
Council's call for an urgent investigation into these crimes.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"The killing of these Iranian officials demonstrates blatant disregard of
international law, and the Taliban cannot be excused for its failure to control
its soldiers," said Mr Axworthy. "Canada condemns these actions and any other
forms of violence against individuals in Afghanistan."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">After having repeatedly denied any knowledge of their whereabouts, the Taliban
admitted yesterday (September 10) that its military forces had killed the missing
Iranians. The Taliban leadership claim that its soldiers committed the murders on
their own and without any orders. The confirmation of the murder of these
representatives follows on earlier reports of mass killings of civilians when
Taliban forces captured Mazar-e-Sharif on August 8.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"On behalf of Canada, I express our condolences to the people of Iran for the loss
of their representatives," said Mr Axworthy. "I repeat that the Afghan crisis must
be resolved by peaceful means and that neighbouring states must refrain from any
actions which could exacerbate the situation."</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">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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