NEWS RELEASES
CANADA CONGRATULATES NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNERS OF EAST TIMOR
October 11, 1996 No. 188
CANADA CONGRATULATES NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNERS OF EAST
TIMOR
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today congratulated Bishop Carlos Belo and
José Ramos Horta, of East Timor, on receiving the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize. In
letters to the two winners, Mr. Axworthy praised their tireless efforts in
pursuing peace and justice in East Timor.
"Canada echoes the sentiment of many countries in hoping that the awarding of the
Peace Prize to Bishop Belo and Mr. Horta will help further the process toward a
peaceful settlement to the conflict in East Timor," said Mr. Axworthy.
Canada has been supportive of UN-sponsored talks between Portugal and Indonesia to
achieve an internationally acceptable resolution of the East Timor question.
Canada has also supported the All-Inclusive Intra-Timorese Dialogue in which both
Bishop Belo and Mr. Horta have actively participated.
Canada has been providing assistance to improve conditions for the East Timorese
population through development co-operation programs, including community and
rural development projects. East Timor is a former Portugese colony that was
annexed by Indonesia in 1976.
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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
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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