NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY CONGRATULATES ICBL ON NOBEL PRIZE WIN
October 10, 1997 No. 162
AXWORTHY CONGRATULATES ICBL ON NOBEL PRIZE WIN
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today congratulated the International
Campaign to Ban Land Mines (ICBL) and its Co-ordinator, Ms. Jody Williams,
following the announcement that ICBL had been awarded the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.
"I am delighted at the Nobel Committee's choice and offer my sincerest
congratulations to Ms. Williams and all members of the ICBL, including its
Canadian member, Mines Action Canada," said Mr. Axworthy. "The ICBL, whose
nomination I endorsed last February, has mobilized and empowered millions of
citizens worldwide with unprecedented speed and effectiveness. Under Ms. Williams'
leadership, the campaign has become a highly articulate moral and diplomatic force
within the field of international disarmament," added the Minister.
The ICBL has been in operation since 1992 and represents more than 1000 non-governmental organizations in over 60 countries. Canada has worked in close
partnership with the ICBL since May 1996 to help build the coalition of states and
international and non-governmental organizations that has made a treaty banning
anti-personnel mines a reality. Close to 100 countries are expected to come to
Ottawa from December 2 to 4 to sign this treaty.
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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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