NEWS RELEASES
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT'S REACTION TO POSTPONEMENT OF BEIRUT SUMMIT
October 9, 2001 (6:00 p.m. EDT) No. 141
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT'S REACTION TO POSTPONEMENT OF BEIRUT SUMMIT
Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Francophonie) Ronald J. Duhamel
today expressed the Canadian government's regret that the current international situation has led to the postponement of the
IX Summit of La Francophonie, which was to be held in Beirut, Lebanon from October 26 to 28.
"The Prime Minister and I were determined to go to Beirut, especially since the theme of the Summit, the Dialogue of
Cultures, was particularly pertinent under the circumstances," said Mr. Duhamel. "We also felt that it was a good
opportunity to advance Canada's foreign policy objectives, particularly with regard to the fight against terrorism.
"However, the work will continue," added the Minister. "Canada, which is still the president of the Conference of heads of
state and governments of countries using French as a common language, following the Moncton Summit, will continue to
play a leading role in La Francophonie.
"We salute the resolve of La Francophonie to hold the Summit in Beirut in the fall of 2002, and we take this opportunity to
congratulate the Government of Lebanon, host country of the Summit, for the quality of the preparations already
completed," concluded Mr. Duhamel. He added that he was confident that the benefits of all the work and everything that
has been accomplished through the Canadian contribution can be maintained until the Beirut meeting.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Jean-Pierre Morin
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Francophonie)
(613) 944-3170
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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