NEWS RELEASES
CHAN TO TAKE PART IN SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM OCTOBER 7 TO 8
October 6, 1999 (5:15 p.m. EDT) No. 217
CHAN TO TAKE PART IN SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM OCTOBER 7 TO
8
Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan will attend the Post-Forum
Dialogue of South Pacific Nations in Koror, Palau on October 7 and 8.
"This annual dialogue is a valuable opportunity for Canada to strengthen
understanding and build consensus around issues of importance to all Pacific
nations," Mr. Chan said. "We all share an interest in fostering sustainable
development, economic progress and regional stability."
Mr. Chan will report on the UN Security Council initiatives Canada has advanced
since it began its two-year term as a non-permanent member in early 1999,
particularly on Canada's planned follow-up of the Secretary-General's report on the
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict.
Secretary of State Chan will also promote signature of the Anti-Personnel Mine
Convention by seven of the16 member countries, and ratification of the Convention
by the 3 signatories who have yet to do so. In addition, Mr. Chan will urge ratification
of the International Criminal Court statute, as well as of the Comprehensive Nuclear
Test Ban Treaty by Forum members who have not yet done so.
This will be the fourth time Mr. Chan has attended a South Pacific Forum. The
Forum will take place this year from October 1 to 8. The member countries are
Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall
Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Samoa.
The South Pacific Forum is a gathering of the heads of government of 16
independent and self-governing states. Its objective is to foster and promote Pacific
regional co-operation, particularly on economic and development and trade matters.
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For further information, media representatives may contact :
Naseem Nuraney
Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)
(613) 995-1852
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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