September 11, 1998 No. 209

AXWORTHY CONDEMNS TALIBAN

FOR MURDER OF IRANIANS IN AFGHANISTAN

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today condemned the Taliban in Afghanistan for the murder of representatives of the Iranian consulate in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif. He also indicated Canada's support for the United Nations Security Council's call for an urgent investigation into these crimes.

"The killing of these Iranian officials demonstrates blatant disregard of international law, and the Taliban cannot be excused for its failure to control its soldiers," said Mr Axworthy. "Canada condemns these actions and any other forms of violence against individuals in Afghanistan."

After having repeatedly denied any knowledge of their whereabouts, the Taliban admitted yesterday (September 10) that its military forces had killed the missing Iranians. The Taliban leadership claim that its soldiers committed the murders on their own and without any orders. The confirmation of the murder of these representatives follows on earlier reports of mass killings of civilians when Taliban forces captured Mazar-e-Sharif on August 8.

"On behalf of Canada, I express our condolences to the people of Iran for the loss of their representatives," said Mr Axworthy. "I repeat that the Afghan crisis must be resolved by peaceful means and that neighbouring states must refrain from any actions which could exacerbate the situation."

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