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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>April 26, 2004 <em>(10:15 a.m. EDT)</em> No. 62</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA CONGRATULATES SOUTH AFRICA ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY
OF FREEDOM</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today extended congratulations to South Africa on
the 10th anniversary of the country's first multiracial elections.</p>
<p>"Canada commends South Africa on the tremendous advances achieved over the last
decade," said Minister Graham. "South Africans have reason to take pride in their
impressive democratic record, most recently in evidence during the successful general
elections held on April 14."</p>
<p>"Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has undergone a remarkable
transformation," the Minister added. "The country now plays a leading diplomatic role
within Africa as a key architect of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, and as
an important influence behind the African Union's conceptual and institutional reforms."</p>
<p>The Government of Canada is taking part in the 10th anniversary celebrations. On
April 24, Minister Graham gave the keynote address at a dinner in Toronto hosted by
the Canadian Council of South Africans. He will also speak at a gala event hosted by
the High Commissioner of South Africa at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in
Gatineau, Quebec, on April 27. In Pretoria, South Africa, Dan Hays, Speaker of the
Senate, will represent Canada at the South African presidential inauguration and
associated commemorative events.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<multicol cols="2" gutter="46">
<p>Isabelle Savard<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs<br>
(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>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/20071123091830/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></multicol>
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