NEWS RELEASES

March 12, 2000 (11:55 a.m. EST) No. 42

KILGOUR TO VISIT MOZAMBIQUE

Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour today announced that on Monday, March 13 in Johannesburg, South Africa he will be joining the Canadian mission bringing humanitarian aid to Mozambique. Mr. Kilgour will be accompanied by the Canadian High Commissioner to Mozambique, Mr. James Wall.

"I hope that my brief visit to Mozambique will reflect the commitment and compassion felt by Canadians toward the suffering of the people of Mozambique and the bordering countries during this crisis period," said Mr. Kilgour.

Mr. Kilgour had been in South Africa leading a learning and technology partnership trade mission where he was monitoring the tragic situation in Mozambique and the bordering countries. When in Maputo, Mr. Kilgour will observe the situation first-hand and, on behalf of the government and people of Canada, will transmit Canada`s support for the people of Mozambique. He hopes to meet with representatives of Mozambique as well as UN and humanitarian agencies in Maputo to get a current assessment of the situation.

To date, the Canadian government has contributed $11.6 million in aid to Mozambique and the bordering countries.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Tasha Stefanis

Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)

(613) 992-9404

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874