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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>January 28, 2004<em> (6:15 p.m. EST)</em>
No. 12</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA ENCOURAGES INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF LA
FRANCOPHONIE TO INTERVENE IN HAITI</strong></font></p>
<p>Denis Coderre, President of the Queen's Privy Council and Minister responsible for La
Francophonie, today asked the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) to
take action following recent events in Haiti and to work with the Organization of
American States (OAS) and CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market)
to find a negotiated solution with the Haitian government.</p>
<p>"It is essential that the OIF work with the OAS and CARICOM to encourage the Haitian
government to guarantee not only the security of the Haitian population, but also
democracy and good governance," said Minister Coderre.</p>
<p>This message was delivered today in a letter by Minister Coderre to Abdou Diouf,
Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie. The letter also
stresses Haiti's obligation to hold elections in accordance with OAS Resolution 822.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Sarah Bain</p>
<p>Office of the Minister responsible for La Francophonie</p>
<p>(613) 371-0504</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/20070221040408/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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