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<title>CANADA CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE INEASTERN ZAIRE TO PERMIT CREATION OFHUMANITARIAN CORRIDORS </title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">November 7, 1996 No. 204</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CANADA CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE IN</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">EASTERN ZAIRE TO PERMIT CREATION OF</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">HUMANITARIAN CORRIDORS </font><font face="Courier" size="+1"></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Minister for International Co-operation and Minister Responsible for la Francophonie Don Boudria today asked for
an immediate cease-fire in eastern Zaire in order to permit the creation of
humanitarian corridors.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">In line with its desire to contribute to the easing of tension in the Great Lakes
region of Africa and in support of the mission of the UN Special Envoy, Ambassador
Raymond Chrétien, Canada is providing, among other things, an airplane and crew
from the Department of National Defence, along with the services of three civil
servants directly involved in the mission.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Canadian government is of the opinion that an immediate cease-fire on the part
of all belligerents in eastern Zaire is a necessary and essential condition for
the creation of humanitarian corridors for the transportation and delivery of
emergency humanitarian assistance, and for the voluntary return home of Rwandan
refugees living in this region.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"In support of Special Envoy Ambassador Chrétien's mission, Canada urges the UN
Security Council to consider the request made at the Nairobi Summit to deploy a
neutral force to ensure the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors," said
Mr. Axworthy. "For its part, Canada is prepared to consider how these corridors
could be protected. Their creation may be greatly facilitated by a cease-fire
adhered to by all parties involved in the conflict."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada remains extremely preoccupied by the worsening of the political situation,
and we have asked the Rwandan government to do whatever is necessary to encourage
Rwandan refugees, confined in Zaire as well as in Tanzania, to return to their
homeland," added Mr. Axworthy, emphasizing that the voluntary and rapid
repatriation of Rwandan refugees remains Canada's preoccupation.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada is especially concerned about the well-being of the women and children who
are innocent victims of the conflict. When conditions permit, the Canadian
International Development Agency is prepared to support humanitarian aid efforts
to help save lives, prevent the spread of disease, and ensure the safe return of
refugees to their homes," said Mr. Boudria.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Finally, the Canadian government continues to support firmly the leadership of the
Heads of State of the Great Lakes region of Africa, as demonstrated again when
they met in Nairobi on November 5.</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">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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