October 25, 1996 No. 198

CANADA DEPLORES LATEST ARREST IN BURMA

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.

"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.

"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.

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.

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