August 3, 2005 (6:30 p.m. EDT)

No. 140

CANADA EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT SITUATION IN MAURITANIA

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew issued the following statement today regarding reports from Mauritania that the military has seized control of the capital, Nouakchott, as well as state radio and television, during the absence of President Maaoya Ould Sid’Ahmed Taya:

“Canada is always concerned when force is used to change a country’s leadership. We call on all parties to demonstrate calm and reason during this period of uncertainty, and expect that the safety of Mauritanian civilians and foreign nationals will be guaranteed.”

Canadians should avoid non-essential travel to Mauritania at this time. If they have not already done so, Canadians in Mauritania should contact the Canadian Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, at (011-212) 37-68-74-00. Travel advisory information about Mauritania is available on the Internet at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=180000.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca