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<title>GRAHAM COMMENTS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN VENEZUELA</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>October 7, 2003 <em>(11:50 a.m. EDT)</em> No. 150</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>GRAHAM COMMENTS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN VENEZUELA</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today welcomed the unanimous decision by the Venezuelan National Electoral
Council (CNE) outlining the requirements for a valid recall referendum, and reaffirmed his support for a peaceful and
democratic solution to Venezuela's political crisis.</p>
<p>"Canada continues to support a constitutional and electoral solution to the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela," said
Minister Graham. "I urge both the government and opposition to follow due process without violence or unnecessary
delays. The balanced process outlined by the CNE points the way toward an electoral solution."</p>
<p>Minister Graham also expressed concern at the Venezuelan government's seizure of microwave transmission equipment
from the Globovision television network on October 3. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights had previously
ordered protective measures for Globovision and other Venezuelan media.</p>
<p>"Freedom of expression is an essential element of democratic debate," added the Minister. "The seizure of microwave
transmission equipment at this time has the unfortunate effect of limiting the network's ability to report the news."</p>
<p>Since April 2002, Canada has repeatedly called on all sectors of Venezuelan society to focus their energies on finding a
peaceful resolution to the political impasse. Canada has strongly supported efforts by the Secretary General of the
Organization of American States to help mediate a solution to the crisis.</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/20070221101445/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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