Statement by the Prime Minister


October 14, 1999
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today issued this statement on the news of the death of Julius Nyerere, former President of Tanzania.

"Over a period of forty years, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere led and nurtured the emergence of Tanzania as an independent state. In a period of turbulence and change throughout the African continent, he achieved for Tanzania a distinguished international reputation as a united and peaceful country. He was a leading voice for developing countries and his efforts on behalf of the struggles of the front line states in the struggle against apartheid were unmatched.

Julius Nyerere was a distinguished statesman, recognized throughout Africa and the world for his dignity and intelligence and for his unquestioned personal and political integrity. He shall be missed. On behalf of all Canadians, Aline and I offer our condolences to his family and the Tanzanian people."

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