NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY TO VISIT NIGERIA AND GHANA
January 26, 1999 (9:30 a.m. EST) No. 11
AXWORTHY TO VISIT NIGERIA AND GHANA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that he will make official visits to Nigeria from January 26
to 27 and to Ghana on January 28.
In Abuja, Nigeria, Mr. Axworthy will meet with the head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Foreign
Affairs Minister Ignatius Olisemeka to discuss the security situation in West and Central Africa and Nigeria's
democratic transition process. He will also meet with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral
Commission, Ephraim Akpapta, and will unveil a plaque at the site of the new Canadian High Commission.
"Canada is encouraged by the progress made under Nigeria's program for transition to democracy and economic
reform," said Mr. Axworthy. "We will continue to support Nigeria's transition to a democratically elected
government, and are willing to consider a development assistance program."
In Accra, Ghana, Mr. Axworthy will meet with President Jerry John Rawlings to discuss issues such as children in
armed conflict and co-operation between Ghanian traditional chiefs and Canadian Aboriginal chiefs in the fields of
social, economic and business development. He will also participate in a round table with non-governmental
organizations and academics on human security issues.
Mr. Axworthy's trip to Nigeria is the first visit by a Canadian Foreign Affairs minister in eight years. The trip will give
Mr. Axworthy the opportunity to observe recent positive developments in Nigeria, and to see first-hand how
Canada's contribution to the election process is assisting the country in its progression toward civilian rule.
International monitors have characterized recent municipal and regional elections in Nigeria, held on December 5
and January 9, respectively, as having been free and fair. Federal and presidential elections are scheduled to be
held on February 20 and 27. General Abubakar has promised to install a democratically elected civilian
government by May 29 of this year.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
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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