NEWS RELEASES

May 11, 2006 (11:35 a.m. EDT)
No. 50

MINISTER VERNER CHAIRS MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE OF LA FRANCOPHONIE ON CONFLICT PREVENTION AND

HUMAN SECURITY

Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages Josée Verner will chair the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie on conflict prevention and human security, which will be held in St. Boniface, Manitoba, on May 13 and 14. The conference will welcome Secretary-General Abdou Diouf of the International Organization of La Francophonie and several delegations led by foreign affairs ministers from the countries of La Francophonie or their representatives. Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay will lead the Canadian delegation.

The St. Boniface conference is the result of a Canadian initiative and has two objectives: to promote La Francophonie’s conflict-prevention activities and to enhance La Francophonie’s contribution to the international community’s debate on human security.

“The theme of the Conference is very important and I am pleased that La Francophonie is examining these critical issues,” stated Minister Verner. “I ask participants at the St. Boniface conference to focus special attention on women and children, who are often the main victims of conflicts.”

Participants in this conference will discuss the international environment, conflict prevention and resolution, and new channels for human security-related joint effort and action in La Francophonie. The objective of the Canadian delegation at this conference is to highlight Canada’s interest and role in these areas.

“Conflict prevention, human security, democracy and sustainable development are closely connected issues,” stated Minister MacKay. “Canada would like this conference to make a tangible contribution to preventing conflicts and improving the protection of civilians in the francophone world. La Francophonie must not lag behind the international community on these issues.”

The International Organization of La Francophonie is made up of 49 member states and participating governments, four associate states and 10 observer states.

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