Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Statement by the Prime Minister on the election in Belarus

March 22, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement regarding the election in Belarus.

“In the view of the Government of Canada, the election in Belarus this past weekend was not free and fair. Opposition workers and candidates were harassed and intimidated by the authorities during the campaign.

I am also very concerned by the Government’s harsh rhetoric against those who have the courage to come out to protest the results. The Belarus Government must respect the rights of its people, including the right to demonstrate peacefully.

I am shocked that a dictatorial and abusive regime, such as this one can continue to exist in today’s Europe. We will work with other free and democratic societies in developing our response to this situation.”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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