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NEWS RELEASES
CANADIAN OBSERVERS AT SECOND SUMMIT OFTHE COUNCIL OF EUROPE
October 10, 1997 No. 163
CANADIAN OBSERVERS AT SECOND SUMMIT OF
THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that Canada will
participate as an Official Observer at the second summit of the Council of Europe,
on October 10 and 11, in Strasbourg, France.
"This first-time attendance by Canada as an Official Observer at a summit of the
Council will allow us to express our interest in the Council's affairs, the
harmonization of an expanded Europe, the evolution of democracy and the promotion
of human values in all member countries of the Council, and to highlight our
philosophy of promoting closer transatlantic ties with the entire European
continent," said Mr. Axworthy.
The Council of Europe, one of the most important pan-European institutions, was
founded in 1949 and comprises some 40 member countries. Its role is based on human
rights protection and assistance to former Communist countries in Eastern and
Central Europe. In May 1996, Canada obtained Official Observer status, and sits on
a number of committees and participates in numerous activities in the areas of
culture, heritage, communications, education, human rights, the media, gender
equality and justice.
In December 1996, Canada and the European Union signed a Political Declaration and
Action Plan whose principles are in line with those of the Council of Europe. The
plan proposes to give new impetus to the evolution of democracy, promote the
efficient administration of public affairs, encourage the application of
principles of justice, and monitor respect for human rights, especially in
Central, Southeastern and Eastern Europe. The plan also touches on stability, the
free market and economic growth in Europe.
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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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