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<title>GRAHAM COMMENTS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN BOLIVIA</title>
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<p><font size="+1"><strong>October 21, 2003 <em>(3:40 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 163</strong></font><strong></strong></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>GRAHAM COMMENTS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN BOLIVIA</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today called on all sectors of Bolivian society to work peacefully together, following
the resignation of President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, to bridge the divisions that separate Bolivian society. </p>
<p>"Canada commends the decision of President Carlos Mesa to appoint a non-partisan cabinet and to chart a constitutional
path for the future," said Minister Graham. "We urge all Bolivians to work with the new government to ensure the
country's long-term political and economic stability."</p>
<p>The Minister underscored Canada's ongoing commitment to working through the Organization of American States and
with other interested countries to strengthen democracy in Bolivia, in accordance with the Inter-American Democratic
Charter.</p>
<p>Canadian officials in Bolivia continue to monitor the situation. A travel advisory has been issued and Canadians are
encouraged to consult the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Consular Affairs Web site
(<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221181846/http://www.voyage.gc.ca/">http://www.voyage.gc.ca</a>) before planning any travel to the region.</p>
<p>- 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/20070221181846/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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