NEWS RELEASES

May 30, 2000 (11:10 a.m. EDT) No. 125

AXWORTHY TO CHAIR OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that he will Chair the 30th Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in Windsor, Ontario, June 4 to 6. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Canada's full membership in the Organization.

The OAS is the premier political forum for multilateral dialogue and decision making in the Americas. Foreign ministers from 34 OAS member states have been invited to Windsor to discuss the progress of democracy, the observance of human rights and other issues of importance to the hemisphere.

"Over the past 10 years, Canada has become an influential and respected voice within the Organization, and we have succeeded in putting human security at the forefront of its agenda," said Minister Axworthy. "This year, Canada will make the security of people in the hemisphere a priority for the General Assembly."

Mr. Axworthy will lead a Ministerial Dialogue Session that will focus on human security issues, including democracy, human rights, war-affected children, corporate social responsibility, and threats to people from the illicit trade in drugs and other crimes.

Foreign ministers will also discuss the Peru election situation and what it means for democracy in the hemisphere. Last week, the OAS withdrew its electoral observation mission from Peru, citing serious irregularities in the electoral process.

"We are very concerned that in spite of these irregularities, the authorities in Peru proceeded with the second round of voting on Sunday," said Minister Axworthy. "I am consulting with other foreign ministers in the hemisphere to assess the implications of this situation for democracy in the Americas, and will be addressing this at the OAS General Assembly."

Canada is approaching this General Assembly in a spirit of institutional transparency and openness. The largest civil society contingent ever to participate in this forum is expected to gather in Windsor, including three youth representatives of the Model OAS General Assembly, which took place in Edmonton from March 27 to 31.

"Canada has been a strong supporter of initiatives within the OAS to increase the participation of civil society," said Minister Axworthy. "We firmly believe that governments, non-governmental organizations, academics and other actors should become partners in seeking effective solutions to problems in the hemisphere."

From June 3 to 5, as a lead-up to the General Assembly, the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (ICHRDD), in partnership with the OAS Unit for the Promotion of Democracy, will host a civil society symposium to discuss hemispheric integration and democratic challenges in the Americas. About 750 people are expected to participate in the event, which Minister Axworthy will address on June 4.

The annual General Assembly provides a forum for high-level debates and decisions on major hemispheric issues affecting the well-being of the people of the Americas. It also establishes the priorities of the OAS for the coming year. Canada is hosting this event for the first time.

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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