AXWORTHY CONDEMNS ATTACK ON BURMESE

[suriya@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Government Of Canada

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

NEWS RELEASE

March 12,  1998              

No. 53

AXWORTHY CONDEMNS ATTACK ON BURMESE
REFUGEE CAMP

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today condemned yesterday's attack on a Burmese refugee camp near Mae Sot on the Thai-Burma border, and expressed deep concern for the victims and their families.  He also welcomed the Thai government's assertion that it will do its utmost to prevent such attacks in the future.

The Burmese Ambassador  to Canada has been called in by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to be advised of the Government of Canada's condemnation of this act.

"Canada is appalled by the cross-border attack on Burmese refugees in Thailand, a painful reminder of the Burmese government's continued abuse of its citizens," said Minister Axworthy. "In addition to transgressing international boundaries, the attack represents an unacceptable violation of basic human
rights."

On March 11, 1998, Burmese military forces, supported by a group of Karens allied with them, destroyed the Huay Kalok refugee camp in Thailand.  Current reports indicate that four people were killed, 39 wounded, and thousands of refugees left without shelter.


"We urge the Burmese military regime to make a commitment to democratic reform and to its own stated objective of national reconciliation," said Raymond Chan, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) .

The Government of Canada has repeatedly condemned all actions by Burma's military regime that deny basic human rights to the people of Burma.  Canada suspended bilateral aid to Burma following the 1988 massacre of pro-democracy demonstrators in Rangoon.  On August 7, 1997, Canada adopted further economic measures to underscore its concerns over the suppression of political freedoms.  Since 1992, Canada has provided $685 000 in aid to Burmese refugees in Thailand.


For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Hilary Humphery
Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)
(61-1) 995-1852

Media  Relation 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