NEWS RELEASES
CANADA DEPLORES COUP D'ÉTAT IN GUINEA-BISSAU
September 15, 2003 (4:05 p.m. EDT) No. 134
CANADA DEPLORES COUP D'ÉTAT IN GUINEA-BISSAU
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today deplored the military coup that took place in Guinea-Bissau on September 14.
"Canada condemns this action by Guinea-Bissau's military," said Minister Graham. "We call on all parties to respect order,
and to engage without delay in free and fair elections, in conformity with the country's constitution."
Canada joins UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the African Union, the International Organization of La Francophonie,
Nigeria, and other African and international partners in denouncing the coup d'état in Guinea-Bissau.
"In the spirit of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, Canada urges the military to ensure that human rights will
be respected and all conditions will be met to foster responsible governance and improve the well-being of the population,"
added Minister Graham.
Canada's embassy in Dakar, Senegal, which is in close contact with Canadians in Guinea-Bissau, has conveyed Ottawa's
concerns to authorities in Bissau. Canada will continue to monitor the situation very closely.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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