André Ouellet

[Bosnia-Hercegovina, April 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada has renewed, with the support of Parliament, a further six-month commitment as part of the UN forces.

Second, Canada is very active on the negotiation side and is trying through the diplomatic route to bring the parties to accept a peace settlement. We believe we are getting close to it.

Some of the parties still resist the process of a negotiated settlement but if we pursue it diligently, if we do not lose our cool, at the end there will be a peaceful solution. That is the course we prefer.

[Bosnia-Hercegovina, April 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, we will certainly press for this type of message through the UN.

The countries that are involved under the auspices of the United Nations are all concerned by this situation whether they are Canadian soldiers, French soldiers or other soldiers who are victims of this harassment. It is quite clear that we cannot allow it to continue indefinitely.

This is why we have asked Mr. Owen and Mr. Stoltenberg to go there to speak on behalf of the United Nations and to press on the Bosnian Serbs the importance of participating in the peace process.

[Bosnia-Hercegovina, April 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I beg to differ with the hon. member. He is drawing a conclusion that is not necessarily the right one.

Quite clearly the bombing and the air strikes that took place were because there was heavy artillery against the city of Gorazde. This city was under heavy artillery bombardment. Indications were given that if it did not stop there would be air strikes. There were air strikes and we now know that the heavy artillery has stopped following the use of air strikes. It stopped the heavy artillery bombardment against the city.

We believe these incidents are regrettable but we do not believe they mean an escalation of the conflict.

We hope that good judgment will prevail and the parties will accept that the only course to be followed is to go to the table to negotiate a lasting peace settlement.

[Rwanda, April 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, Canada will provide $1 million in aid immediately, including $400,000 to Doctors without Borders Canada, to be used to send surgical teams, including two Canadians, to Rwanda; $300,000 to the International Red Cross Committee to provide emergency assistance, including medical assistance; and finally, $300,000 to the International Red Cross Federation to help neighbouring countries prepare for the arrival of refugees.

[Rwanda, April 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, we deplore these unconscionable acts of barbarism, and we think every attempt should be made to try to restore peace in this country.

Over the years, Canadians who worked in Rwanda have established close ties with the people of that country, and it is clear we cannot let this relationship be compromised by these events. When we are in trouble, we know who our friends are, and I can assure this House that Canada is prepared to continue to support the efforts of those who want to help the Rwandan people develop in peace and harmony.

Finally, I can give the hon. member the assurance that this morning I spoke to our representative at the UN who at this very moment is considering the best way to initiate action with other countries, through the United Nations, to help restore peace and security in Rwanda.

[Conflict In Former Yugoslavia, April 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I certainly echo the view expressed by the Leader of the Opposition that these soldiers who are serving under the UN flag are always in some difficulty and some danger. It is inherent in their responsibilities and their duty as soldiers to risk their lives

or risk their security. It is part of their job. They understand it and they perform it very well, to their credit.

We are very concerned by this incident. We are taking every step possible through the UN and through the negotiation process on the ground to ensure their release and I hope it will be done very soon.

[Conflict In Former Yugoslavia, April 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, Lord Owen and Mr. Stoltenberg who previously negotiated successfully with the Serbs are now on the spot. We are counting on their good offices to bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion. We believe that reason will prevail. Although the UN representatives are at risk, the Bosnian Serbs are as well, and in this kind of situation, there is no doubt that reason will prevail and that the soldiers and the other UN representatives who are being detained will be released.

[Conflict In Former Yugoslavia, April 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question and for giving me this opportunity to say that we deeply regret what happened a few hours ago.

Apparently, attempts by UN representatives and by the Americans and the Russians to get all parties to the conflict in the former Yugoslavia to agree on a durable peace process has met with a number of problems. Although considerable progress have been made in negotiations between the Croatians and the Muslims, the Bosnian-Serbs apparently refuse to fully commit to this peace process.

According to our information, our peacekeepers are not at risk, at least for the time being. Negotiations for their release are continuing, and we are confident they will be released.

[Bosnia-Hercegovina, April 11th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, it is quite clear that our objective is to not have an escalation of the war. This is why we are pursuing vigilantly our efforts to persuade parties to take part in the peace process.

We are very much encouraged by recent initiatives taken by the Americans and the Russians that have brought some of the parties to the table. It has led to a very historic and important agreement being signed in Washington that involves the Croatians and Muslims.

Unfortunately the Bosnian Serbs have not yet agreed to be part of this peace process. We hope that they will come to the only alternative there is, which is to make peace and join in the peace effort with the others.

[Bosnia-Hercegovina, April 11th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, we were informed of what took place. As you know we have military personnel who are very much involved in the operations and what has been done has been done according to UN resolutions.