NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY TO VISIT CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH AMERICA
January 5, 2000 (6:05 p.m. EST) No. 1
AXWORTHY TO VISIT CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH AMERICA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that he will travel to the
Caribbean and South America from January 6 to 16. The Minister will solicit views and
share Canadian priorities in advance of Canada's hosting of the next General Assembly
of the Organization of American States (OAS) in June and the Summit of the Americas
in April, 2001. Canada's priorities include human security concerns such as the traffic in
illicit drugs and small arms, peacebuilding and modernizing the OAS and other regional
institutions to ensure their continued relevance in the 21st century.
"This visit gives us the opportunity to discuss and begin shaping the agenda for next
June's General Assembly of the Organization of American States and for the Summit of
the Americas," said Mr. Axworthy. "Building on the hemisphere-wide leadership in the
areas of landmines and small arms, we hope to strengthen co-operation and find active
solutions to the problems that affect each and every corner of the hemisphere, in
particular the problem of illicit drugs."
In Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the Minister will meet with Prime Minister
Basdeo Panday, Foreign Minister Ralph Maraj, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and
current Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dr. Denzil Douglas, and other
CARICOM foreign ministers. Discussions will focus on the particular role of small states
in a new era of multilateralism and on human security issues.
In Brasilia, Brazil, Mr. Axworthy and his counterpart, Luiz Felipe Lampreia, will discuss
ways to reinforce bilateral co-operation on human security issues, including
peacekeeping, governance and human rights. They will also exchange views on
hemispheric issues.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a meeting with Minister for External Affairs and
International Trade Adalberto Rodriguez Giavarini will establish a firm foundation for
relations with Argentina's new administration, and offer an opportunity to discuss
common priorities within the United Nations Security Council, such as the protection of
civilians during armed conflicts. The Minister will also meet with non-governmental
organizations participating in a roundtable on human security issues.
In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, the meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Javier Murillo de la
Rocha will focus on human security. Minister Axworthy will also have an opportunity to
visit the coca eradication fields in Chapare, a successful example of Bolivia's
determination to end coca cultivation.
In Bogota, Colombia, Mr. Axworthy will meet with President Andrés Pastrana and
Foreign Minister Guillermo Fernandez de Soto. Discussions will centre on co-operation
to reinforce the peace process in Colombia and how Canada can contribute to
Colombia's anti-drug efforts. Minister Axworthy will also inaugurate a Canada-sponsored children's art exhibit that promotes human rights.
Since joining the Organization of American States in 1990, Canada has been an active
member of the Organization and a leader in a number of key areas, such as initiatives
to involve civil society in hemispheric policy-making; efforts to eliminate the use and
stockpiling of landmines; programs to alleviate poverty; the protection of human rights;
and the battle against drug trafficking and trade in small arms and light weapons. The
next OAS General Assembly will be held in Windsor from June 4 to 7, and the Summit
of the Americas will be held in Quebec City, in April 2001.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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