NEWS RELEASES

May 10, 2004 (2:50 p.m. EDT) No. 69

GRAHAM EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER VIOLENCE IN CENTRAL NIGERIA

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following statement regarding the violence in Plateau State in central Nigeria:

"Canada is very concerned by reports of large numbers of people killed in violent clashes in central Nigeria. We urge those involved to exercise restraint and not resort to retaliatory attacks. We call on Nigerian authorities and community leaders to do everything possible to restore peace in the area and prevent further violence. Any intervention should be conducted in a manner that respects human rights and the rule of law."

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Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
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(613) 995-1874
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