Statement on Resignation of Syrian Backed Government in Lebanon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, ON - Monday, 28 February, 2005 - On behalf of the Canadian Coalition for Democracies (CCD) and all Canadians, we offer our congratulations and best wishes to the Lebanese Community in Canada and to those in Lebanon who never allowed the torch of liberty to be extinguished after more than 10 years of Syrian Occupation. "Let freedom and democracy rein throughout the Middle East, from Iraq to Lebanon and beyond," said Francois Hachem, Lebanese born Director of the Canadian Coalition for Democracies. "This is truly a wonderful day." According to Hachem, "the resignation of the Syrian backed government is only the first step on the road to freedom for the Lebanese people." "Two weeks ago, when Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew visited Lebanon, he refused to meet publicly with the opposition and advocates for democracy," said Hachem. "Hopefully, this dramatic event, the resignation of the Syrian backed government will help bring Canada on side in a very constructive manner, as we struggle to restore democracy, rule of law and sovereignty for all Lebanese."

For more information, contact:
Naresh Raghubeer
Executive Director, Canadian Coalition for Democracies
416-452-6957 cell
naresh@canadiancoalition.com
www.CanadianCoalition.com
Rochelle Wilner
Senior Vice President, Canadian Coalition for Democracies
416-254-1010