NEWS RELEASES
GRAHAM REITERATES SUPPORT FOR OAS DEMOCRACY-STRENGTHENING MISSION IN VENEZUELA
November 26, 2002 (2:30 p.m. EST) No. 160
GRAHAM REITERATES SUPPORT FOR OAS
DEMOCRACY-STRENGTHENING MISSION IN VENEZUELA
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today expressed strong support for the efforts currently being made
by the Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General, Cesár Gaviria, to facilitate negotiation
between the Government of Venezuela and its opposition.
"OAS Secretary General Gaviria has made extraordinary efforts toward achieving a peaceful, democratic
and constitutional resolution of the ongoing political difficulties between the Venezuelan government
and opposition groups," said Minister Graham. "I urge the Venezuelan government and its opposition to
make every effort to peacefully resolve their differences and to avoid all threats to the constitutional
order."
The Government of Canada believes strongly that the OAS mission to foster dialogue and negotiation is
the best channel through which a peaceful, democratic solution can be reached. The OAS has undertaken
a number of missions to encourage its member states to commit to strengthening and safeguarding
democracy.
Canada will continue to work with Venezuela, through the OAS and the mechanisms at its disposal,
including the Inter-American Democratic Charter, to strengthen its democratic institutions.
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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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