NEWS RELEASES
CANADA WELCOMES START OF TALKS ON CYPRUS
July 9, 1997 No. 115
CANADA WELCOMES START OF TALKS ON CYPRUS
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy welcomes the start of talks between the
political leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, which began today
in Troutbeck, New York, under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the United
Nations (UN).
"Canada is encouraged to see the beginning of talks on Cyprus, and we hope that
they will prove successful in resolving the longstanding intercommunal conflict,"
said Mr. Axworthy. "I appeal to the two parties to co-operate fully with the UN
Secretary-General in initiating a peace process that will result in a permanent
resolution of this conflict."
Michael Bell, Canada's Special Representative on Cyprus, attended the opening of
talks along with special envoys or representatives from the European Commission
and 13 other countries.
Canada participated in peacekeeping operations in Cyprus for 29 years, until 1993,
and since then has demonstrated its continued interest in Cyprus, notably through
the recent appointment of Mr. Bell, in April 1997.
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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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