Pettigrew to attend inauguration of Haitian President

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that Pierre S. Pettigrew, Minister for International Cooperation and Minister responsible for Francophonie, will lead the Canadian delegation at the inauguration of the new President of the Republic of Haiti, René Garcia Préval. The inauguration will take place on February 7 in Port-au-Prince.

"The inauguration of President Préval represents the first time since Haiti's independence in 1804 that one democratically-elected president is succeeding another," said Mr. Chrétien. "Canada is pleased to support Haitian efforts to establish a tradition of democracy."

Mr. Chrétien added his personal best wishes for the success of Mr. Préval's presidency.

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