Canada slams China over Falun Gong arrests (Reuters)

According to Reuters (November 9), The Canadian government on Tuesday condemned China's arrest of members of the outlawed Falun Gong spiritual movement and its repression of freedom of belief.

"We are most disturbed at the repression of freedom of belief and the arrest and detention of so many Falun Gong practitioners,'' said Canadian Secretary of State for Asia and the Pacific Raymond Chan in a statement.

"Our delegation will raise specific issues related to religious freedoms and basic rights and reports of ill-treatment of Falun Gong adherents,'' said Chan.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy said that the Chinese government was well aware of Ottawa's interest in areas such as civil and political rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights.

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