FOREIGN MINISTER OF CANADA URGED "TO SEEK SOLUTIONS TO CURRENT DIFFERENCES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS"

Mediamax
March 5, 2008

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Foreign Minister of Canada Maxime Bernier made
a statement, urging "Armenians of all political affiliations to seek
solutions to their current differences within the framework of their
democratic institutions".

Mediamax reports that the statement of the Foreign Minister of
Canada reads:

"Canada has been following the recent events in Armenia with great
concern and urges all of the parties involved to show restraint in
their actions. It is the democratic right of people everywhere to
gather and express their views so long as this is done in a peaceful
manner.

"We urge the government of Armenia to respect these fundamental
freedoms by lifting the state of emergency as soon as possible. Canada
urges Armenians of all political affiliations to seek solutions to
their current differences within the framework of their democratic
institutions.

"In this regard, Canada welcomes the prompt mediation efforts initiated
by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe."