December 10, 2008
No. 237
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the situation in Greece:
"Canada is particularly saddened by the tragic news of the widespread violence affecting Greece at this time. It is our deepest hope that calm and order are restored quickly.
"Our thoughts are with the Greek people, so many of whom have been directly affected.
"We are in constant communication with the Canadian Embassy in Athens, which is monitoring the situation closely. Thus far, there have been no reports of any Canadians affected by the violence.
"My department has updated its travel report for Greece on its website for travellers (www.voyage.gc.ca), advising Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution and avoid all crowds and demonstrations."
Canadians in Greece who need consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada in Athens. They can also contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada by calling 613-996-8885 (collect) or 1-800-387-3124 (toll-free).
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
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
