NEWS RELEASES
CANADA PLEDGES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR RECONSTRUCTION IN BOSNIA
July 23, 1997 No. 120
CANADA PLEDGES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR RECONSTRUCTION
IN BOSNIA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Minister for International Co-operation and Minister Responsible for la Francophonie Diane Marleau today
announced an additional $30.25 million to support reconstruction and peacebuilding
activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the first day of the Bosnia Donors'
Conference in Brussels. Two-thirds of this pledge will be committed to social and
economic reconstruction, with the balance going toward peace implementation
activities.
"Canada believes that, despite current problems in consolidating the peace
process, particularly in the Republika Srpska, the international community must
continue to show its support for reconstruction and peacebuilding in Bosnia," said
Mr. Axworthy. "The international community's support, however, is conditional on
the Bosnian Parties' compliance with the December 1995 Peace Agreement, including
in the apprehension of persons indicted for war crimes." Mr. Axworthy noted that
the success of efforts in Bosnia also hinges upon greater inter-entity and ethnic
co-operation.
The Bosnia Donors' Conference, organized by the World Bank and the European
Commission, was convened to co-ordinate international reconstruction assistance in
Bosnia among various donor countries and to raise US$1.4 billion in pledges for
1997 reconstruction priorities. The Canadian delegation is being led by Michael
Berry, Special Co-ordinator of Reconstruction in the former Yugoslavia.
"An important part of our aid package is focussed on promoting democracy,
strengthening free media, and creating a climate of openness and tolerance in
Bosnia," Madame Marleau said. "These programs are making a practical contribution
to the peace process."
Canada supports a number of essential reconstruction and peacebuilding initiatives
in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with funding and expertise, through institutions such
as the International Criminal Tribunal For Former Yugoslavia, the International
Police Task Force, the Human Rights Commission, the Provisional Elections
Commission, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and
Office of the High Representative. Canada also supports activities such as health
care reform, the development of a free and independent media, power sector
reconstruction, the strengthening of civil society, and the work of institutions
with a mandate for civilian peace implementation under the Peace Agreement.
Funding for today's pledge was provided for in the March 1997 federal budget and
is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
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For further information or backgrounders describing Canada's initiatives in Bosnia
and Herzegovina to date, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Matthew Bassett
Official Spokesperson
Office of the Minister for International Co-operation and Minister Responsible for
la Francophonie
(819) 953-3160
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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