NEWS RELEASES

February 9, 2004 (4:45 p.m. EST) No. 20

GRAHAM EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER DETERIORATING SITUATION IN HAITI

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following statement concerning the deadly violence in Haiti over recent days:

"Canada strongly condemns the use of violence. We urge calm and full respect for the rule of law. On behalf of all Canadians, I express my condolences to the families of those lost in the recent unrest.

"Canada continues to support the Special Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the efforts of CARICOM, which aim to reinforce democracy in Haiti. Our ambassador and senior officials at the OAS and in the Caribbean remain seized of the situation and will work with their counterparts to urge the parties to restore calm."

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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