next step in the Middleton murder case.

But the Ottawa-based Department of Foreign Affairs said it was unlikely that it would pressure for an official inquiry into the investigation and legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Bermuda Women's Resource Centre said there should be a probe into the whole investigation and prosecutions process. They spoke out after receiving calls from women, concerned over the result.

Canadian Foreign Affairs spokesman Sophie Legendre said discussions had taken place with Bermuda since the murder in 1996 and were ongoing with regard to the aftermath.

"We have been in contact with the Government of Bermuda to discuss any further measures,'' she said.

"We will work with the Government to see what can be done with regard that two years after the murder, legal matters are still unresolved.'' She said the Canadian Consul for Bermuda, Michael Phillips, had also been in contact with Bermudian officials and was monitoring the situation from his New York office.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs deeply regrets this new development in the brutal murder of a young Canadian. It is unfortunate that two years after, legal issues are still unresolved.'' Yesterday, Toni Daniels, vice chairperson of the Reid Street Women's Resource Centre said they had received many calls on Tuesday and yesterday from women who were frustrated about recent events.

Some were worried about the legal process and at least one mother said she was concerned about safety for her and her daughter.

"Like the rest of the community they have been very concerned about the proceedings and I think the entire prosecutions process needs to be reviewed.

"Quite clearly a heinous crime was committed and nobody has been held accountable. People just can't understand how it can happen.'' Questions needed to be asked at the Attorney General's chambers about the legal process.

"There are concerns about the judical system or the lack thereof. At the end of the day it is a basic concept, you commit a crime, you get punished.

"There should be an inquiry, not on this one case but I think the overall process must be looked at.'' Moments after the news broke in Canada on Tuesday calls started at the offices of Belleville MP Lyle Vanclief.

The calls came from residents, who had heard the news and wanted to know what they could do, said a spokesman for Mr. Vanclief.

He said they continued yesterday and their calls were being directed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Most people knew the family, Belleville is a small, close knit community,'' said the spokesman.

"People were frustrated, it was huge news when it hit and it hasn't subsided.''