OTTAWA, Canada, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:
“Canada strongly condemns the ongoing sectarian violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), including yesterday’s merciless attack on civilians taking refuge in St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Bambari.
“In the Bambari region, many people have been killed and a number of French soldiers injured in the past few weeks alone. We continue to call for dialogue and urge all parties involved in this conflict to exercise restraint to end the cycle of violence undermining the country.
“On behalf of all Canadians, we offer our condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
“Canada encourages the interim government and international troops to continue their efforts to restore security and the rule of law in the CAR.”
Since 2013, Canada has provided over $23 million in assistance to help meet the widespread humanitarian needs in the CAR, and $5 million to support the efforts of the African Union-led mission to restore security in the country.
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