NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY TO ATTEND FRIENDS OF LEBANON MEETING IN WASHINGTON
December 13, 1996 No. 248
AXWORTHY TO ATTEND FRIENDS OF LEBANON MEETING
IN WASHINGTON
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy will lead the Canadian delegation to the
Friends of Lebanon meeting in Washington D.C. on December 16, 1996. Mr. Axworthy
will be accompanied by Mac Harb, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Centre and Chair
of the Liaison and Advisory Group.
The meeting will be an opportunity for Canada and 30 other countries, including
European Union states, Japan, several Arab Gulf states, Norway, Switzerland and
Brazil to show their support for the reconstruction of Lebanon. Secretary of
State Warren Christopher will chair the meeting on behalf of the United States
government. Prime Minister Hariri will lead the Lebanese delegation.
"Canada is committed to assist Lebanon in implementing its economic recovery
program," said Mr. Axworthy. "Our strategy is based on building international
confidence in Lebanon, to promote economic stability and a lasting peace in the
region."
The Liaison and Advisory Group is composed of Canadian business leaders active in
the Lebanese market and representatives of the Arab-Canadian business community.
The group has been tasked with elaborating a plan of action to enhance Canadian
private sector activity in Lebanon, in both investment and trade in goods and
services.
While in Washington, Mr. Axworthy will also meet with the Secretary General of the
Organization of American States (OAS), César Gaviria Trujillo. Canada has been a
member of the OAS since 1990.
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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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