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<title>SECRETARY OF STATE PARADIS AND OAS DISCUSS STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY IN HAITI</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>September 20, 2002 <em>(9:40 a.m. EDT)</em> No. 102</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>SECRETARY OF STATE PARADIS AND OAS DISCUSS STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY
IN HAITI</strong></font></p>
<p>Denis Paradis, Secretary of State for Latin America, Africa, and La Francophonie, met yesterday with senior representatives
of the Organization of American States (OAS) to discuss the Organization's role in strengthening democracy in Haiti and
the hemisphere.</p>
<p>"Canada believes strongly in the important role the OAS plays in promoting the democracy, peace and prosperity that are
central to the quality of life we enjoy in our hemisphere," said Mr. Paradis. "We hope that more focused engagement of
OAS partners, and in particular, the OAS Special Mission in Haiti, will bring important benefits to Haiti and the
community of the Americas." </p>
<p>Mr. Paradis' meetings included those with OAS Secretary-General César Gaviria, Assistant Secretary-General Luigi
Einaudi, and U.S Permanent Representative and Chair of the OAS Permanent Council Roger Noriega. </p>
<p>On September 4, 2002, the OAS adopted Resolution 822 establishing a new framework to strengthen democracy in Haiti.
During his visit, Secretary of State Paradis took the opportunity to discuss a new, broader role of the OAS Special Mission
in Haiti that will include supporting free and fair elections, and promoting national dialogue and consensus-building
between the Government of Haiti, political parties, and civil society. Discussions touched on the potential implications of
normalized economic cooperation between the Government of Haiti and international financial institutions, as supported in
Resolution 822.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
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<p>Isabelle Mignault</p>
<p>Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and
Africa) (Francophonie)</p>
<p>(613) 995-1852</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/20070221021559/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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