NEWS RELEASES
SECRETARY-GENERAL, COUNCIL OF EUROPE,TO VISIT CANADA
February 4, 1997 No. 19
SECRETARY-GENERAL, COUNCIL OF EUROPE,
TO VISIT CANADA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that Mr. Daniel Tarschys,
Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, will pay an official visit to Canada
from February 5 to 8 at the invitation of Mr. Axworthy.
"Our relations with the Council of Europe are excellent, and the observer status
that we have recently obtained reinforces our partnership in areas of common
interest, including human rights, co-operation with Central and Eastern Europe,
democratization and peace in the former Yugoslavia," said Mr. Axworthy. "This
visit will also help strengthen our transatlantic link with Europe."
In Ottawa, Mr. Tarschys will meet with Minister Axworthy, Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps and Minister of Justice Allan Rock
to discuss matters of common interest. In Montréal the Secretary-General will
meet with Canada's Intergovernmental Relations Minister, Stéphane Dion, and with
representatives of the Quebec government. Mr. Tarschys will also deliver a speech
at the Cercle Jean Monnet en droit européen (the Jean Monnet European Law Club).
Over the years Canada and the Council of Europe have developed close ties,
especially in culture, heritage, communications, education, human rights, the
media, gender equality, health and legal affairs.
"Our new observer status attests to the European countries' recognition of the
substantial Canadian commitment to Europe," 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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