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<title>GRAHAM WELCOMES RELEASE OF THE QUARTET'S ROADMAP FORPEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>May 1, 2003 <em>(3:00 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 44</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>GRAHAM WELCOMES RELEASE OF THE QUARTET'S ROADMAP FOR</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today welcomed the release of the Roadmap for peace in the Middle East. The
Roadmap is a plan set out by representatives from the Quartet, comprised of the United States, the European Union, Russia
and the United Nations, that outlines the steps necessary to establish a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between
Israelis and Palestinians. </p>
<p>"Even in the shadow of continuing violence and terrorism, the prospects for peace in the region will be bolstered by the
release of the Roadmap," said Minister Graham. "We now call on all parties to take the steps necessary for its
implementation."</p>
<p>The Roadmap's fundamental goal is to achieve a political solution based on two states, Israel and Palestine, living within
secure and recognized borders. Canada has consistently expressed support for such a solution, and is ready to assist in any
way it can.</p>
<p>The plan, aimed at settling the conflict by 2005, was delivered yesterday to Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and calls for
action from both sides within specific time frames.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Isabelle Savard</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</p>
<p>(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070220190707/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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