November 7, 1996 No. 204

CANADA CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE IN

EASTERN ZAIRE TO PERMIT CREATION OF

HUMANITARIAN CORRIDORS

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.

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.

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.

"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."

"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.

"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.

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.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Catherine Lappe

Director of Communications

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