NEWS RELEASES
CANADA ANNOUNCES CONTRIBUTION TO FOLLOW-ON FORCE FOR BOSNIA
December 4, 1996 No. 233
CANADA ANNOUNCES CONTRIBUTION TO
FOLLOW-ON FORCE FOR BOSNIA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Minister of National Defence Douglas
Young today announced Canada's contribution to a follow-on force of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-led Peace Implementation Force (IFOR) in
Bosnia.
A 1000-member Canadian Forces contingent is currently serving in IFOR. Canada has
offered to contribute approximately 1200 troops to the proposed follow-on force.
The changing size and role of the international military presence in Bosnia-Herzegovina mean that the contribution Canada will make will also change. The
composition of the new Canadian contingent reflects the different role that Canada
expects to undertake in the force, including assuming more front-line
responsibilities and a larger area of operations. The larger troop contribution
will ensure better protection and strengthen the Canadian Forces' ability to
safely and effectively carry out their duties, particularly those in support of
civilian reconstruction efforts.
"Canada's involvement in NATO activities in Bosnia has been successful. We have
helped to separate the warring factions and to provide a stable environment for
national elections," said Mr. Axworthy. "Nevertheless, more work must be done
before a durable peace can take hold. In particular, our continued commitment
will allow us to advance peacebuilding activities, such as the repatriation and
reintegration of refugees, and put in place tools to assist in the arrest of war
criminals."
"Canadian Forces personnel have served in the former Yugoslavia since 1991," said
Minister Young. "Canada's commitment to achieving a lasting peace in the Balkans
remains strong."
The Ministers' announcement followed Mr. Axworthy's appearance before the Standing
Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade on November 26. The Standing
Committee, in a unanimous resolution passed on November 28, agreed to an extension
of Canada's involvement in the follow-on IFOR, under the appropriate United
Nations Security Council mandate.
Minister Axworthy will discuss Canada's contribution to the follow-on IFOR, and
other peace and security issues, at the North Atlantic Council meeting in
Brussels, December 10-11. Minister Young will meet with his NATO colleagues in
Brussels December 17-18.
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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
Media Liaison Office
Department of National Defence
(613) 996-2353
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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