BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

02/08/2007

Cda boosts duties on Belarus imports over continuing disregard for human rights

by The Canadian Press

OTTAWA (CP) - Canada is taking trade action against Belarus over what it calls the country's continuing disregard for human rights - and it's calling on the international community to do the same.

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay says Ottawa is boosting duties on some Belarusian exports to Canada, effective immediately.

MacKay says the human-rights situation in Belarus has deteriorated since its "seriously flawed presidential election" in March 2006.

Democratic supporters have been imprisoned in Belarus and MacKay says the regime "does not respect the rule of law and democratic hopes of its people"

The Canadian government is urging other countries to join it "in sending the Belarusian government a strong message."

MacKay says the Belarusian government continues to disregard international appeals to respect human rights and democratic principles.

Ottawa had already restricted Canadian exports to Belarus last December and informed importers of its decision to boost some tariffs in April. The European Union has taken similar actions.

Source:

http://www.chroniclejournal.com/CP_stories.php?id=57190

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