NEWS RELEASES

October 9, 2000 (3:10 p.m. EDT) No. 256

SECOND CANADIAN RELEASED FROM DETENTION

IN FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy expressed satisfaction that Shaun Going was released by the Yugoslav military authorities earlier today. Mr. Going is now with the Canadian chargé d'affaires in Belgrade and arrangements are being made for his departure from Yugoslavia.

"It is rewarding to know that the intense diplomatic efforts by Canada have led to this welcome conclusion," Mr. Axworthy said. He expressed his deep appreciation for the support received from many countries and international organizations.

Liam Hall, the other detained Canadian, was released on October 6 and has since returned to Canada. Mr. Axworthy expressed pleasure that both the Canadians, along with two Britons employed by the OSCE [Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe] in Kosovo, have now been released and permitted to depart Yugoslavia. "It is a fitting conclusion to our Thanksgiving for the Canadians, their families and their many friends," added the Minister.

The four men were detained on August 1 while returning to Kosovo from a weekend holiday in Montenegro. The Yugoslav authorities conducted an investigation, alleging that the detainees were involved in terrorism and espionage. Before his release today, Mr. Going was indicted by the court for the illegal possession of explosive materials in Montenegro. He was released on a bail of 5000 German marks. The other three men, released on October 6, were not charged.

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Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

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