March 21, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement on the situation in Mali:
“I am deeply concerned by reports coming out of Bamako, Mali, where certain elements of the Malian military appear to have attacked the presidential palace. We call upon the perpetrators of these attacks to immediately withdraw.
“Democracy must be respected. Differences must be resolved by dialogue and democratic process, not by force. Stability and security must be restored if next month’s presidential and legislative elections are to be free, fair and take place as scheduled.
“The democratic will of the Malian people must be respected.”
The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), added:
“Canadian citizens in Mali who require emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada to Mali in Bamako at 223 20-21-22-36. Alternatively, they can call Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Emergency Operations Centre collect at 613-996-8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.”
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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
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