NEWS RELEASES
CANADIAN AMBASSADOR CHOSEN AS UN SPECIAL ENVOY TO THE GREAT LAKES REGION
October 30, 1996 No. 200
CANADIAN AMBASSADOR CHOSEN
AS UN SPECIAL ENVOY TO THE GREAT LAKES REGION
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the appointment of Raymond
Chrétien, Canada's Ambassador to the United States, as United Nations (UN) Special
Envoy to the Great Lakes Region. UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali
appointed Ambassador Chrétien to undertake an assessment of the crisis in the
Great Lakes region of Africa and to make recommendations as to how the United
Nations should respond.
"Canada is pleased to be entrusted with this vitally important role," stated
Mr. Axworthy. "As former Ambassador to Burundi, Rwanda and Zaire, Mr. Chrétien
possesses extensive knowledge of the region, which will help him assess the
situation and make sound recommendations to the Secretary-General."
As the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Ambassador Chrétien will travel
to the region to assess the crisis and prospects for a resolution. His mission
will be completed when he submits a confidential report to the UN Secretary-General, no later than December 15. The report will contain the Ambassador's
evaluation of the situation and his recommendations as to how best to proceed.
Canada will also provide transportation and local logistical support as needed.
"The choice of a Canadian to carry out this mission reflects the credibility that
Canada enjoys throughout Africa and in the Great Lakes region in particular, as a
result of its bilingual capabilities and absence of colonial ties, as well as its
long-standing and impartial involvement in programs of economic and educational
co-operation," added Mr. Axworthy.
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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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