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<p><strong>February 19, 2004 (7:15 p.m. EST) No. 25</strong></p>
<p align="CENTER"><strong>CANADA REITERATES SUPPORT FOR OAS AND CARTER CENTER EFFORTS IN
VENEZUELA</strong></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today reiterated Canada's support for the
Organization of American States (OAS) and The Carter Center in their efforts to
observe the process of verification and validation of signatures that Venezuela's
National Electoral Council (CNE) is implementing to determine the possibility of recall
referenda.</p>
<p>"Canada strongly supports the efforts of the OAS and The Carter Center in ensuring a
transparent, legitimate and peaceful referendum process," said Minister Graham. "The
rights of citizens are paramount, and we encourage the CNE to adopt measures to
facilitate the maximum participation of Venezuelans in the democratic process of the
country."</p>
<p>Since April 2002, Canada has repeatedly urged all parties to the process and sectors of
Venezuelan society to find a peaceful, democratic, constitutional and electoral
resolution of the political impasse, as called for by OAS member states.</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/20071206233925/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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