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<title>CANADA DEPLORES KILLINGS IN VENEZUELA AND URGESNATIONAL RECONCILIATION</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>February 24, 2003 <em>(2:20 p.m. EST)</em> No. 20</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA DEPLORES KILLINGS IN VENEZUELA AND URGES</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>NATIONAL RECONCILIATION</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today deplored the recent killings of three dissident Venezuelan soldiers and a
civilian in Venezuela.</p>
<p>"Canada calls on the Government of Venezuela to investigate these murders and bring those responsible to justice," said
Mr. Graham. "These killings and other more recent developments are contrary to the spirit of the Declaration Against
Violence and in Favour of Peace and Democracy signed on February 18." </p>
<p>The Declaration was signed by the Venezuelan government and opposition parties in Caracas following talks facilitated by
the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, César Gaviria. Under this peace and non-violence pact, all
parties agreed to respect democracy and freedom of speech, and to condemn violence and work toward peaceful solutions.</p>
<p>Minister Graham underscored Canada's continuing support for Secretary General Gaviria's efforts to find a negotiated
solution to this crisis that is consistent with the principles enshrined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter.</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/20070221095619/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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