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<title>CANADA EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKE IN IRAN</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>December 26, 2003 <em>(4:00 p.m. EST)</em> No. 199</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>CANADA EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES </strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKE IN IRAN</strong></font><font size="+1"><strong></strong></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and Minister for International Cooperation Aileen Carroll today expressed
Canada's deepest sympathy and condolences on the loss of life and destruction caused by today's earthquake
in southeastern Iran.</font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to those affected
by this tragic earthquake," said Minister Graham. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families
and all those touched by the horrible destruction and human suffering."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Canadian officials continue to closely monitor the situation, and are in touch with United Nations and Red
Crescent personnel conducting emergency assessments on the ground," said Minister Carroll. </font>"Canada stands
ready to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected by this tragedy." </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/20070221184111/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
<p>Steven Morris</p>
<p>Office of the Minister for International Cooperation</p>
<p>(819) 956-0481 / (613) 277-5867</p>
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