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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>July 7, 2004 <em>(4:00 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 76</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA CONDEMNS SUICIDE BOMBING IN SRI LANKA</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today denounced yesterday's suicide bombing in
Colombo, which killed four members of the Sri Lankan police and wounded numerous
others.</p>
<p>"At present, no person or group has claimed responsibility for this deplorable act," said
Minister Graham. "I urge all parties to refrain from casting blame while an investigation
is under way. In addition, I urge all parties to reinvigorate their efforts to create the
conditions necessary to restart formal peace talks. On behalf of all Canadians, I extend
our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families."</p>
<p>In recent years, Canada has provided financial assistance and expert advice in support
of a sustainable political solution to the long-standing conflict. Most recently, Canada
funded an observer group to monitor Sri Lanka's parliamentary elections, which took
place on April 2, 2004.</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/20071123094113/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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