NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY AND STEWART TO MEET WITHCENTRAL AMERICAN LEADERS IN GUATEMALA
September 6, 1996 No. 154
AXWORTHY AND STEWART TO MEET WITH
CENTRAL AMERICAN LEADERS IN GUATEMALA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Secretary of State (Latin America and
Africa) Christine Stewart will be in Guatemala on September 12 to meet with the
foreign ministers of the seven Central American countries: Nicaragua, Costa Rica,
El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and Panama.
The one-day meeting will provide an opportunity to continue the successful
consultations that took place between Canadian and Central American heads of
government and foreign ministers in Ottawa in May 1996. At that time, Central
American and Canadian ministers resolved to hold a follow-up meeting in Central
America by early fall.
"This visit highlights the expanding relationship between Canada and Central
America and the broadening of Canada's role within the hemisphere," said Mr.
Axworthy. "Among the subjects we will discuss are the creation of air links
between Canada and Central America, the negotiation of Foreign Investment
Promotion and Protection Agreements, co-operation in the fight against terrorism
and illicit drugs, and continuing efforts to build a peaceful and democratic
society."
Minister Axworthy will also take the opportunity to encourage support for Canadian
initiatives related to the total eradication of land mines, including the
forthcoming Land Mine Conference to be held October 3-5 in Ottawa. In addition,
Mr. Axworthy will meet Guatemalan President Alvaro Arzu Irigoyen and Foreign
Minister Eduardo Stein Barrillas to discuss the Guatemala peace process. Canada
applauds the progress already achieved and looks forward to the conclusion of a
final peace agreement.
"Along with our increased involvement with the Organization of American States,"
said Mrs. Stewart, "we are implementing more regular ministerial contacts with our
Central American counterparts. This new process of ongoing consultation, together
with our continuing financial support for political, social and economic
development in Central America, reflects our strong commitment to the hemisphere."
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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