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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>May 10, 2004 <em>(2:50 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 69</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>GRAHAM EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER VIOLENCE IN
CENTRAL NIGERIA</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following statement regarding the
violence in Plateau State in central Nigeria:</p>
<p>"Canada is very concerned by reports of large numbers of people killed in violent
clashes in central Nigeria. We urge those involved to exercise restraint and not resort to
retaliatory attacks. We call on Nigerian authorities and community leaders to do
everything possible to restore peace in the area and prevent further violence. Any
intervention should be conducted in a manner that respects human rights and the rule
of law."</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<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/20071123090622/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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