The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Today, Canadians commemorate the 26th anniversary of the violent crackdown against unarmed and peaceful civilians that occurred in and around Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

“Under the Chinese constitution, Chinese citizens enjoy freedom of speech, assembly and association. The detention of individuals for exercising these rights runs counter to China’s domestic and international human rights obligations.

“Canada urges China to break its silence on the events of 26 years ago by openly accounting for the people who were killed, detained or went missing and by launching a process of national healing and reconciliation. Only by publicly acknowledging a difficult past can nations pave the way to prosperity, the rule of law and a more harmonious future.”

Contacts

Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
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