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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Minister Bernier Issues Statement in Recognition of Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People

Minister Bernier Issues Statement in Recognition of Day of Solidarity
with the Cuban People

May 21, 2008
No. 123

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the
following statement in recognition of May 21st as the Day of Solidarity
with the Cuban People:

"Canada's links with the people of Cuba go back many years. Indeed, Cuba
was the first Caribbean nation selected by Canada as a location for a
Canadian diplomatic mission," Minister Bernier said.

"Canada engages Cuban society through our diplomatic presence which is
aimed at helping to lay the groundwork for a Cuba that upholds freedom,
democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This is in keeping with our
renewed engagement in the Americas.

"Canada continues to monitor developments in Cuba closely, and we are
concerned about the plight of political prisoners, especially those
suffering from poor health. It is our hope that recent shifts will open
the way for the Cuban people to pursue a process of political and
economic reform," added the Minister.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx

http://news.gc.ca/web/view/en/index.jsp?articleid=399969

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