December 24, 2008
No. 251
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement condemning the coup attempt in Guinea by a dissident army faction on December 23, 2008, after the announcement of the death of President Lansana Conté:
“Canada strongly condemns the attempted coup in Guinea and calls on all parties to fully respect the Constitution and the rule of law for the benefit of the people of Guinea, who have already suffered for too long.
“Canada appeals for calm and restraint, and urges the parties to implement the necessary conditions for the holding of free and transparent elections within the time frame set out in the Constitution.
“The Canadian Ambassador in Dakar, Senegal, who is accredited to Guinea, is closely monitoring the situation. Canadian consular officers stand ready to assist Canadians should the need arise. We will continue to monitor events as they unfold.”
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
