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<title>MINISTER GRAHAM MEETS LEBANESE AMBASSADOR</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>January 16, 2003 <em>(3:25 p.m. EST)</em> No. 7</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>MINISTER GRAHAM MEETS LEBANESE AMBASSADOR</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today called in Lebanese Ambassador Raymond Baaklini, regarding the
Ambassador's comments in the media. After the meeting Mr. Graham released the following statement:</p>
<p>"The Ambassador and I had a full discussion. I explained to him that some of the language he used was not acceptable in
Canada. He said that he regretted that his comments had caused offence and controversy and has written to me to that
effect.</p>
<p>"Canada has a large and important community of Lebanese origin. Canada and Lebanon have a close and friendly
relationship that embraces political, cultural, economic and people-to-people ties. We work together to address any and all
problems promptly and constructively.</p>
<p>"I am confident that the Ambassador fully understands our position. I now consider the matter closed."</p>
<p>Ambassador Baaklini's letter is attached.</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/20071123025528/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
<p><font size="+1"><strong>Letter from Lebanese Ambassador</strong>*</font></p>
<p>Ottawa</p>
<p>January 16, 2003</p>
<p>Dear Mr. Minister:</p>
<p>I have the honour to write to you to confirm what I said to you during our conversation this morning.</p>
<p>You explained to me the concerns of the Canadian authorities about the interview that I gave to <em>Sada al-Machrek</em> of
Montreal. Like Canada, Lebanon is a multicultural country of very diverse traditions that respects Judaism, as it does Islam
and Christianity, as a part of our culture. It was not my intention to criticize the police in Canada because I am convinced
that they respect the diversity of Canada's communities. </p>
<p>I regret that my comments caused offence and that they created a controversy.</p>
<p>Please accept, Mr. Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration and my personal regards.</p>
<p>Raymond Baaklini</p>
<p>Ambassador from Lebanon</p>
<p>*Unofficial courtesy translation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
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