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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 16 July, 2001**
OTTAWA - Brian Pallister, Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar and Foreign Affairs critic for the Canadian Alliance, today criticized Prime Minister Jean Chretien for his inaction and offensive comments about the case of Norex Petroleum Ltd., the Cinadian proprietors of an oil firm in Russia that was recently seized by armed agents of a competing firm.
When asked about the situation by reporters during his weekend visit to Russia, the Prime Minister remarked that he wished he were able to seize companies, specifically the National Post newspaper, from their rifhtful owners. Pallister responded by saying, "When the Prime Minister visits other countries, he is supposed to defend the interests of Canadians and stand up for the rule of law. Instead, he muses about trampling the democratic rights of Canadians himself. Mr. Chretien's comments are offensive, disturbing, and embarrassing for all Canadians, especially those who do business abroad."
The Prime Minister also suggested that Norex should simply allow the Russian legal system to resolve the matter. Pallister said, " This is not just a business dispute anymore. We are talking about the violent seizure of private property by armed men with no legal authority. For the Russian legal system to have any credibility in dealing with the underlying business dispute, it first has to show that it can deal with the illegal use of armed force."
Pallister also criticized the Prime Minister for musing about returning to Russia as part of a trade mission. "Unless and until (he Russian government guarantees that business disputes will not be settled with armed force, the Canadian taxpayer should not be spending one red cent to encourage further Canadian investment in Russia. That is just common sense."
For more information, please call:
Aaron Hynes, Legislative Assistant
(613)955-9513
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Ottawa Offise:
Room 914 Confederation BIdg
HOUSE OF Commoms
Ottawa, Ontario
K 1A OA6
Tel: (613) 955-95-11
Fax (613) 955-03-13
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