Canada issues statement on inauguration of president of Republic of Congo

USPA NEWS - “Canada deplores the flawed electoral process that led to Denis Sassou Nguesso´s inauguration today as president of the Republic of Congo, including a number of arbitrary arrests, imposed restrictions on telecommunications and free movement, and attempts to intimidate the media.

GLOBAL AFFIRS CANADA IN OTTAWA -ONTARIO- APRIL 16--------------------------------------------------------------------- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement: “Canada deplores the flawed electoral process that led to Denis Sassou Nguesso´s inauguration today as president of the Republic of Congo, including a number of arbitrary arrests, imposed restrictions on telecommunications and free movement, and attempts to intimidate the media. “Canada is concerned by reports of post-election violence, and we call on all parties to exercise restraint and to strive for the peaceful settlement of political tensions. “In accordance with Canada and Congo´s joint commitments in the Francophonie, the strengthening of democratic institutions is essential to ensure inclusive governance, peaceful pluralism and macroeconomic growth, which will benefit the people of Congo.“Denis Sassou-Nguesso, who was "badly elected" to the presidency of the Congo - Brazzaville, wants to stay in power after an election not find credible. According to "Le Monde". After already thirty-two years at the head of this small oil-producing country in Central Africa, held its inauguration Saturday, April 16 to take the oath for a new term of five years. Only half a dozen of African heads of state had traveled. (AFP) "Denis Sassou-Nguesso became one of the worst presidents elected on the continent," says a Western diplomat. The US expressed disappointment at "widespread irregularities and opposition supporters of arrests in the wake of elections."