NEWS RELEASES

April 27, 2004 (10:40 a.m. EDT) No. 63

GRAHAM TO ATTEND BERLIN CONFERENCE ON ANTI-SEMITISM

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced that he will participate in the Conference on Anti-Semitism in Berlin, Germany, on April 28 and 29, 2004. The Conference, organized by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), will raise awareness of anti-Semitism and identify measures to promote tolerance.

"The pluralistic, mutually respectful society that Canadians cherish has in recent weeks been shaken by appalling acts of anti-Semitic violence, and this is an outrage we will not tolerate," said Minister Graham. "I am going to Berlin determined to work with other countries in showing those who spread hate that anti-Semitism has no place in our societies."

Canadian parliamentarians and representatives of two key non-governmental organizations, B'nai Brith Canada and the Canadian Jewish Congress, will participate as part of the Canadian delegation. Sessions will focus on the role of governments, civil society, education and the media in fighting prejudice and promoting tolerance.

The OSCE hosted its first conference on anti-Semitism in Vienna last June.

The OSCE is a regional security organization made up of 55 participating states from Europe, Central Asia and North America. The OSCE tackles such issues as racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination because they are recognized as major threats to peace and stability in the region.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact: