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<title>CANADA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OFLA FRANCOPHONIE </title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">March 20, 1997 No. 58</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CANADA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">LA FRANCOPHONIE </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Don Boudria, Minister for International Co-operation and Minister Responsible for
la Francophonie, is pleased to celebrate today the International Day of la
Francophonie. The day gives Francophones worldwide the opportunity to celebrate
their belonging to the international French-speaking community.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">March 20 marks the anniversary of the creation of the Agency for Cultural and
Technical Co-operation (ACCT) in Niamey in 1970. Since the Cotonou Summit of
December 1995, the ACCT has officially been known as the Agence de la
Francophonie.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This name change reflects the evolving role, since the summits began, of la
Francophonie and its secretariat, the chief operating arm. Recent summits have
defined new political priorities and a modern approach, which uses communications
to promote development," Mr. Boudria said.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Boudria added that Canada's very active involvement in la Francophonie is
important for Francophones in every region of Canada, as well as for all
Canadians. According to the Minister, this presence not only favours the
development and international influence of Canada's francophone culture, but also
promotes justice, democracy and peace, values cherished by all Canadians.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"La Francophonie is alive and well throughout the world, comprising more than 400
million people spread out over five continents. The diversity of the Francophone
culture is what contributes to its great richness," said Mr. Boudria.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Boudria invited representatives of Francophone countries and numerous
stakeholders in la Francophonie to attend a ceremony on Parliament Hill on March
20, at which the Prix de la Francophonie nationale, the Prix de la Francophonie
internationale, and the Ordre de la Pléiade de l'Assemblée internationale des
parlementaires de langue française (International Assembly of French-Speaking
Parliamentarians) will be awarded.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Courier">-30-</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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