NEWS RELEASESMay 14, 2004 (3:30 p.m. EDT) No. 70 CANADA CONDEMNS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following statement in response to the report by the UN Commission of Inquiry investigating the events of March 25 and 26 in Côte d'Ivoire: "Canada strongly condemns the serious human rights violations found by the Commission of Inquiry. In particular, we denounce the abuses committed against civilians by armed militias. It is incumbent on Côte d'Ivoire's head of state and government to put a stop to these groups' activities and to ensure that those responsible for acts of violence are brought to justice. There can be no peace in Côte d'Ivoire until impunity is ended. "We reiterate the necessity of setting up an international commission of inquiry to investigate the human rights violations committed throughout the conflict, as set out in the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement. We support the Security Council in its determination to take the measures necessary to promote the implementation of this agreement. "Finally, Canada calls for the immediate cessation of threats against foreign nationals and international institutions." - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Isabelle Savard Media Relations Office |