NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY WELCOMES NEW ROLE FOR CANADIAN IN NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE PROCESS
June 6, 1996 No. 107
AXWORTHY WELCOMES NEW ROLE FOR CANADIAN
IN NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE PROCESS
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the invitation by the
British and Irish governments, and General John de Chastelain's acceptance, to
chair part of the all-party negotiations for a permanent settlement in Northern
Ireland, which are scheduled to begin on June 10.
"I am confident that General de Chastelain, a distinguished Canadian soldier and
diplomat, will make a significant contribution to the peace process in Northern
Ireland, a matter of importance for many Canadians," said Mr. Axworthy.
General de Chastelain has been asked to chair both "Strand Two" of the
negotiations, which deals with north-south relations within the island of Ireland,
and the Business Committee, which handles issues of protocol and procedure for the
negotiations. Talks on the decommissioning of weaponry are to take place in
parallel to all-party negotiations on Northern Ireland and will be chaired by
former U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell, who will also head the Plenary.
Commenting on the May 30 elections in Northern Ireland to a forum from which
participants for the all-party peace talks will be drawn, Mr. Axworthy said, "The
people of Northern Ireland have demonstrated their commitment to the democratic
process. It is now time for their political leaders to establish the conditions
for a just and lasting settlement to the dispute in Northern Ireland."
The invitation to General de Chastelain follows his service as a member of the
International Body on the Decommissioning of Arms in Northern Ireland, in December
and January. The International Body was appointed by the British and Irish
governments to provide advice on removing the gun from Irish politics. Senator
Mitchell chaired the Body, and former Finnish Prime Minister Harri Harmanni
Holkeri was a member. Mr. Holkeri will act as alternate chair to Senator Mitchell
and General de Chastelain.
In welcoming the invitation to General de Chastelain, Mr. Axworthy reiterated the
Canadian government's call on the Irish Republican Army to reinstate its cease
fire.
- 30 -
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
| 
