NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY TO VISIT PARIS AND GENEVA
March 29, 1996 No. 52
AXWORTHY TO VISIT PARIS AND GENEVA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy announced today that he will visit Paris
on April 2 and Geneva on April 3 during his first trip to Europe in this
portfolio.
While in Paris, Mr. Axworthy will meet with his counterpart, French Foreign
Affairs Minister Hervé de Charette, to discuss a range of bilateral issues and
other topics of mutual interest such as the United Nations Mission in Haiti, the
G-7, the Middle East Peace Process and the situation in the former Yugoslavia.
"Our relations with France have always been productive and friendly. We are close
partners committed to strengthening our transatlantic relations in the political,
trade, economic and cultural spheres. I look forward to promoting our common
agenda personally with Mr. de Charette," said Mr. Axworthy.
In Geneva, Mr. Axworthy will address the United Nations Commission on Human
Rights. He will become the first Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister to speak in
this forum.
"My address will reflect the priority that Canadians attach to human rights,
including children's rights. I plan to support the renewal and strengthening of
the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and its efforts to ensure that human
rights become universally recognized and respected. Furthermore, I will ask that
it be provided the tools necessary to address the challenges posed by emerging
technologies and political and economic changes," the Minister said.
Mr. Axworthy will also meet with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. José
Ayala Lasso, and Canadian representatives of
non-governmental organizations participating in the Commission's deliberations.
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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
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