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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>May 9, 2004 <em>(1:50 p.m. EDT)</em>
No. 68</strong></font><font size="+1"></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>GRAHAM CONDEMNS KILLING OF CHECHEN PRESIDENT</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham deplored the bombing in Grozny which killed
Chechnya's leader Akhmad Kadyrov and at least 13 others.<font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Canada condemns today's terrorist attack that took place on Victory Day, marring the
occasion on which Russians remember the millions of their countrymen and women who
died during the Second World War," said Minister Graham. "Canadians join me in
expressing our condolences to the families of the victims, and hope that the perpetrators
of this violent act will be brought to justice. On this sad occasion, we reiterate our resolve
to enhance our work with Russia and the rest of the international community in the fight
against terrorism."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">In his message of sympathy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Paul
Martin said "this terrorist act is a tragic reminder of the continuing level of violence that
faces the world today, of which the Russian Federation has borne a significant share." The
Prime Minister also expressed his confidence that political efforts towards lasting peace
and stability in Chechnya will continue.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Isabelle Savard<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs<br>
(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070222004531/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></font></p>
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