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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>February 9, 2004 <em>(4:45 p.m. EST)</em> No. 20</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>GRAHAM EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER DETERIORATING
SITUATION IN HAITI</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following statement concerning
the deadly violence in Haiti over recent days:</p>
<p>"Canada strongly condemns the use of violence. We urge calm and full respect for the
rule of law. On behalf of all Canadians, I express my condolences to the families of
those lost in the recent unrest.</p>
<p>"Canada continues to support the Special Mission of the Organization of American
States (OAS) and the efforts of CARICOM, which aim to reinforce democracy in Haiti.
Our ambassador and senior officials at the OAS and in the Caribbean remain seized of
the situation and will work with their counterparts to urge the parties to restore calm." </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/20071123090836/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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