NEWS RELEASES
COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY-GENERAL TO VISIT CANADA
April 29, 2003 (1:10 p.m. EDT) No. 43
COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY-GENERAL TO VISIT CANADA
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced that the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Donald
McKinnon, has accepted an invitation to visit Ottawa from April 30 to May 1, 2003.
"The role of the Commonwealth as a force for democracy, human rights and good governance--fundamental values
enshrined in the 1991 Harare Declaration--is as essential today as ever," said Minister Graham. "Secretary-General
McKinnon and I will meet to discuss pertinent issues facing the Commonwealth, including anti-terrorism efforts, the work
of the Secretary-General's special envoy to Cameroon, and human rights and good governance in Commonwealth countries
such as Zimbabwe."
During his visit, the Secretary-General will also meet with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to discuss the next Commonwealth
Heads of Government Meeting, to be held in Abuja, Nigeria, from December 5 to 8, 2003, and with Minister for
International Cooperation Susan Whelan.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
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
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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