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<title>CANADA EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT VIOLENCEIN THE GAZA STRIP</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>October 8, 2002 <em>(3:00 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 119</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT VIOLENCE</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>IN THE GAZA STRIP</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today responded with concern to the recent incursions by Israeli forces into the Gaza
Strip and the ensuing violence, including the deaths and wounding of many Palestinian civilians.</p>
<p>"While we condemn terrorist violence and support Israel's right to self-defence, we also urge Israel to give full
consideration to the consequences of its actions and to refrain, in particular, from using force in built-up areas of civilian
population," said Minister Graham.</p>
<p>The Minister urged both parties to comply with their obligations, including the protection of civilians, and to avoid any
actions that could inflame the situation. Both parties should instead pursue actions consistent with the goal of peace.</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/20070221022010/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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