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<title>GRAHAM WELCOMES RECENT INDIA-PAKISTAN DEVELOPMENTS</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>May 5, 2003 <em>(4:50 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 50</strong></font></p>
<p><font size="+1"><strong>GRAHAM WELCOMES RECENT INDIA-PAKISTAN DEVELOPMENTS</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today welcomed recent initiatives by India and Pakistan aimed at reducing tensions
between the two countries, including the resumption of full diplomatic relations and the restoration of direct civil aviation
ties. Both sides have also committed to holding their first high level talks in two years and have indicated a willingness to
denuclearize South Asia.</p>
<p>"Canada applauds initiatives by India and Pakistan aimed at resolving their outstanding differences peacefully, including
the conflict in Kashmir," said Minister Graham. "We strongly encourage both sides to build on these first steps by
implementing additional confidence-building measures."</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/20071123035258/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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