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<title>AXWORTHY EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER ATTACKS ON BURMESE REFUGEES</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">February 17, 1997 No. 32</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">AXWORTHY EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER ATTACKS ON BURMESE
REFUGEES</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed deep concern over the
threat of further attacks by the Burmese army on refugee camps located along the
Thai-Burma border and the implications for security in the region. There have
been a number of attacks on refugee camps in recent weeks, forcing the relocation
of refugees to escape death, conscription or forced labour. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Of growing concern to Canada are the frequent reports of attacks on unarmed
civilians in Burma and on Burmese refugees in Thailand," said Mr. Axworthy.
"Canada strongly urges Burma's military regime to make a concrete commitment to
democratic reform and to its own stated objective of national reconciliation."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">On January 28-29, Burmese troops, together with forces of the Democratic Karen
Buddhist Army, attacked three refugee camps located between Mae Sariang and Mae
Sot along the Thai border. Over the last few weeks, there has been a continuing
build-up of Burmese troops in the border area and an increase in the flow of
refugees crossing into Thailand. </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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