NEWS RELEASES
MONTREAL MP ATTENDS OPENING OF YEAR-LONG CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN GREECE
January 31, 1997 No. 16
MONTREAL MP ATTENDS OPENING OF YEAR-LONG CULTURAL
FESTIVAL IN GREECE
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that Eleni Bakopanos,
Member of Parliament for Saint-Denis, is representing Canada at the opening
ceremonies (January 30 to February 1) of the year-long cultural festival in
Thessaloniki, Greece.
Thessaloniki has been designated Europe's Cultural Capital for 1997, a concept
that was initiated 20 year ago by Melina Mercouri, former actress and Greek
Minister of Culture.
"Canada's presence as the second-largest foreign participant in the festival is an
expression of the importance of culture as the third pillar of Canadian foreign
policy," said Mr. Axworthy. "Our participation will give impetus to Canada/Greece
bilateral relations and promote closer ties between our two countries."
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, in co-operation with
the private sector, is providing financial assistance to a number of Canadian
artists and cultural organizations to participate in the Thessaloniki Festival,
including Nexus -- a percussion ensemble from Toronto, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet
and Montreal's LaLaLa Human Steps dance company.
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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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