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<title>CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES TO CONTINUE CONSULTATIONS ON INTERNATIONAL-TRAFFIC-IN-ARMS REGULATIONS (ITARS)</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">July 26, 1999 <em>(4:30 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 168</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES TO CONTINUE CONSULTATIONS ON
INTERNATIONAL-TRAFFIC-IN-ARMS REGULATIONS (ITARS)</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">While attending the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Regional Forum (ARF) meeting in
Singapore, Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright reviewed
the bilateral consultations thus far on the International-Traffic-in-Arms Regulations (ITARs).</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">They had previously agreed, April 22, to use the 120-day review period to "implement the ITAR regulations in
such a way as to mitigate the effects on the North American defence industry and to determine what those
effects are. Both [were] committed to evaluate and revisit the core issues of technology transfers and
safeguards by the end of this period."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Senior officials have been working diligently and will continue to do so in fulfilment of our joint objectives. We
recognize that additional time beyond the initial 120-day period will be required to complete this effort.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Both governments remain committed to reaching a mutually satisfactory resolution of all outstanding issues at
the earliest possible date.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
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