July 20, 1998 No. 177

AXWORTHY WELCOMES NIGERIAN ANNOUNCEMENT TO RESTORE DEMOCRACY

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the announcement by General Abdulsalam Abubakar that Nigeria would install a democratically elected, civilian government by May 29, 1999, as well as the decision to release all political prisoners.

"These decisions appear to open the way to the democratic reforms that Canada has been urging the Nigerians to put in place since the annulment of the 1993 presidential elections," Mr. Axworthy said. "It is clear that General Abubakar has listened to the Nigerian people's demands for democracy. We are prepared to work with the Nigerians as they bring these changes into effect."

Abubakar stated that the current government-approved political parties would be abolished, and that new parties would be encouraged to participate in elections to be held at all levels from local to presidential. Mr. Axworthy said that the 10-month transition period announced by General Abubakar is reasonable for the regime to implement such a far-reaching program.

Mr. Axworthy said he was particularly pleased with the release of 10 more prisoners of conscience today, and welcomed the announcement that all political prisoners would be freed.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca