NEWS RELEASES

May 5, 2000 (12:40 p.m. EDT) No. 94

AXWORTHY ANNOUNCES VISIT OF OAS SECRETARY-GENERAL

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), César Gaviria, will make an official visit to Ottawa on May 8 and 9. The purpose of his visit is to discuss the 30th OAS General Assembly, which takes place from June 4 to 6 in Windsor, Ontario.

"As the Organization of American States enters the new century, we need to reinforce the ties that connect us and bring together our shared experience for the benefit of all people in the Americas," said Minister Axworthy. "I am delighted that Canada is hosting the General Assembly at this key juncture for the Americas, and I welcome the visit by Secretary-General Gaviria in advance of this important event."

The OAS is the premier political forum for multilateral dialogue and decision making in the Americas. Foreign ministers from 34 countries will meet at the OAS General Assembly, which Canada is hosting for the first time.

Secretary-General Gaviria will meet with Minister Axworthy on May 8 to discuss the OAS General Assembly and how it will unfold. Mr. Axworthy will take the opportunity to highlight aspects of the human security agenda which Canada plans to advance at the General Assembly, such as war-affected children, corporate social responsibility and threats to people from the illicit trade in drugs. Mr. Gaviria will also meet briefly with Speaker of the Senate Gildas Molgat.

On May 9, Mr. Gaviria will speak at a Newsmaker Breakfast at the National Press Club. Following this, he will meet with Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray.

"Canada will seek to make Windsor a more inclusive General Assembly, in the spirit of institutional transparency and openness," said Minister Axworthy. "We expect the largest civil society contingent yet to be seen at an OAS General Assembly to gather for this occasion."

As a lead-up to the General Assembly, the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (ICHRDD) will host a three-day gathering of civil society members to discuss hemispheric integration and democratic challenges in the Americas. About 750 people will participate in the symposium, which takes place from June 3 to 5. Minister Axworthy will address the symposium on June 4.

The annual General Assembly provides a forum for high-level decisions and debates on major hemispheric issues affecting the well-being of the people of the Americas. It also serves to establish the priorities of the OAS for the year ahead.

- 30 -

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