NEWS RELEASES

January 28, 2000 (8:00 a.m. EST) No. 14

AXWORTHY LAUNCHES CANADIAN REFERENCE GUIDE TO THE UN, RECEIVES McGILL INTERNATIONAL REVIEW AWARD

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy launched the second edition of the Canadian Reference Guide to the United Nations, a Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade publication outlining Canada's involvement in the UN as well as UN programs, all its specialized agencies and institutions, and contact and Web site information. The book was launched last night during the 10th annual McGill Model UN Assembly, where Mr. Axworthy was the keynote speaker.

"I am delighted to be launching the Canadian Reference Guide to the UN at this McGill forum for students, one which promises interesting debates on issues affecting the international arena," said Minister Axworthy. "The Guide is a practical reference tool aimed at students, teachers, the general public and the news media -- anyone who is interested in learning more about the United Nations."

At the event, the Minister was also presented with the McGill International Review Award of Distinction, an award given to an individual who has improved the quality of life for people around the world, made a significant contribution to the field of human rights and has made an important contribution to the peaceful conduct of states. The award was given to Mr. Axworthy by McGill University in recognition of his work in introducing human security in the field of human rights.

The McGill Model UN Assembly has become one of the largest inter-university model UN events in Canada, and attracts over 1000 student delegates from across North America and Europe.

Other guest speakers at the McGill Model UN opening ceremonies included Geoffrey Pearson, National President of the UN Association of Canada and former Canadian Ambassador to the Soviet Union, and Thomas Park, Secretary-General of the McGill Model UN Assembly.

Electronic copies of the Canadian Reference Guide to the United Nations are also available under the title "Canadians in the World" at http://www.canschool.org, a Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade educational Web site featuring a diverse menu of topics about Canada's international relations, humanitarian efforts, culture, science, sports and business.

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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

Print copies of the Canadian Reference Guide to the UN may be obtained by calling

1-800-267-8376 or (613) 944-4000, by fax at (613) 996-9709, or by writing to Enquiries Service (SXCI), Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2.