NEWS RELEASES

September 12, 2000 (5:10 p.m. EDT) No. 228

AXWORTHY ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION OF MINISTERIAL-LEVEL CONTACTS WITH AUSTRIA

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced the end of Canada's measures against Austria, imposed February 7, 2000, following the creation of a coalition government which included representatives from the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).

"Having observed the performance of the Austrian government over the past seven months and read the September 8 report of the 'Wisemen' mandated by the 14 other members of the European Union to examine the Austrian government's commitment to European values and the evolution of the Freedom Party of Austria, I have seen results in areas which I consider important, including human rights and the protection of minorities," said Mr. Axworthy. "In light of the steps taken, I consider that the time has come for Canada and Austria to re-engage at the ministerial level, and resume full bilateral co-operation. Of course, we will continue to monitor the situation in Austria with particular emphasis on the FPÖ's influence."

Since the imposition of the Canadian measures, the Austrian government has reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, which are explicitly spelled out in the preamble to the coalition agreement. It has introduced amendments to the Constitution to embody the protection of ethnic groups and has tabled a study on the anti-racism measures it has undertaken.

Ending the Canadian measures will allow a resumption of dialogue at all levels and will encourage contacts between Canadian and Austrian citizens in all fields of activity (culture, academia, etc.). It will also enable the resumption of bilateral co-operation on the full range of issues on which Canada and Austria have worked closely in the past few years, notably on the human security agenda.

In bringing an end to its measures, Canada has taken account of the views of key groups in Austria, including the Jewish community, opposition parties, and other interest groups, all of which have indicated that they believe the measures imposed against Austria have become counterproductive.

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