|
Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association Tables Ottawa, March 2, 2011 – The Honourable Mauril Bélanger, P.C., M.P., and the Honourable Raynell Andreychuk, Senator, Co-Chairs of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association, presented today the Association’s report on its visit to Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo. The Report notes the efforts that the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are making to address the political stalemate in Côte d’Ivoire. The Report also encourages the Canadian government to continue to support ECOWAS’s positive contribution to integration and regional stability. “It is important to find a solution to the stalemate in Côte d’Ivoire, a solution that respects democracy and the rule of law. The delegation was impressed by the efforts ECOWAS is making to find such a solution,” said Mr. Bélanger. “With the evolving events in Africa and with numerous African countries scheduled to hold elections this year, the international community, the United Nations, and the African Union must voice strong support for ECOWAS and for President Alassane Ouattara. At the same time, Mr. Laurent Gbagbo should be held accountable for the deaths that have resulted from his actions,” said Senator Andreychuk. The visit took place from January 16 to 22, and the Association Co-Chairs were accompanied by Ms. Yasmin Ratansi, M.P., Mr. David Christopherson, M.P., Mrs. Lois Brown, M.P., the Honourable Jim Munson, Senator, and Ms. Cheryl Gallant, M.P. The delegation met with Nigerian, Ghanaian and Togolese parliamentarians and government officials, representatives of political parties, ECOWAS officials; Canadian representatives, business representatives, journalists, and members of non-governmental organizations. It also made site visits. Established in 2003, the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association promotes exchanges between African and Canadian parliamentarians, proposes initiatives likely to lead to better mutual understanding of national and international problems, and works to develop cooperation in all the fields of human activity. In addition, the Association works to develop ties with regional parliamentary groupings and the Pan-African Parliament. - 30 - For information, please contact: The Honourable Mauril Bélanger, P.C., M.P., Co-Chair of the
Canada-Africa The Honourable Raynell Andreychuk, Senator, Co-Chair of the
Canada-Africa Mr. Maxime Ricard, Association Secretary, Canada-Africa
|
||
 |