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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>April 26, 2005 <em>(5:40 p.m. EDT)</em><br>
No. 74</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>MINISTER PETTIGREW CONCERNED OVER SITUATION IN TOGO</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today made the following statement expressing
his concern over the situation in Togo following the presidential elections of
Sunday, April 24:</p>
<p>"We urge all parties to renounce violence and encourage them to continue discussions
to find a negotiated solution with the help of the African Union and the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS). We support efforts by these
organizations to ensure a democratic and peaceful transition in Togo. </p>
<p>"Preparations for the presidential elections of April 24 and the election process were
marred by numerous irregularities, with various sources reporting problems in the
distribution of voter cards, threats against opposition representatives and ballot stuffing.
Canada also denounces the acts of violence and serious human rights abuses that
tainted this election campaign."</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Sébastien Théberge<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs<br>
(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221012329/http://www.international.gc.ca/">http://www.international.gc.ca</a></p>
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