Office Address:

145 Spruce St. suite #206
Ottawa, ONtario
Canada K1R 6P1
Tel: (613) 237-8056/ Fax: (613) 563-0017

Press Release:

Canada Welcomes Statement by the United Nations Security Council on Burma

October 12, 2007
No. 141

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today made the following remarks on the United Nations Security Council statement on Burma:

"Canada welcomes the United Nations Security Council statement on Burma, which strongly deplores the use of violence against peaceful demonstrators and emphasizes the importance of the early release of all political prisoners and remaining detainees. It also calls for an inclusive national reconciliation with the direct support of the UN.

"It is essential that the Security Council continue to support ongoing efforts to address the situation in Burma. We recognize, in particular, the importance of unity among Security Council members. We welcome the Security Council’s reaffirmation of its strong and unwavering support for the mission of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, as well as its recognition of the resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on October 2, 2007. Canada calls on the Government of Burma to facilitate the visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro.

"Canada continues to condemn the use of force by Burmese authorities against peaceful protesters. We renew our call for the Government of Burma to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Burma, and to engage in a genuine dialogue with members of the democratic opposition.”

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca