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<title>VISIT TO CANADA OF THE ISRAELI MINISTER OF JUSTICE</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>October 21, 1999 <em>(3:40 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 228</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>VISIT TO CANADA OF THE ISRAELI MINISTER OF JUSTICE</strong></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced the visit to Canada of the
Minister of Justice of the State of Israel, Yossi Beilin, on October 24 and 25.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The two Ministers will review the state of the Middle East peace process in light of
the recent developments following the signing of the Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum
in early September. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"A positive atmosphere has taken hold in the Middle East since the election of the
Barak Government," Mr. Axworthy said. "We fully support the efforts of Israel and
the Palestinians to reach a final status agreement and actively promote the peace
process through our role as the Chair of the Refugee Working Group."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">During his visit Minister Beilin will also take part in the signing of a Mutual Legal
Assistance Treaty between Canada and Israel. The Treaty is designed to provide for
co-operation between police and prosecutors in Canada and Israel in criminal
matters. It ensures that evidence gathered in Israel can be used in a Canadian
court.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">While in Ottawa, Minister Beilin will also meet with Minister of Justice and Attorney
General of Canada, Anne McLellan, as well as Madam Justice Claire L'Heureux-Dubé, Mr. Justice Charles Doherty Gonthier and Mr. Justice Frank Iacobucci of the
Supreme Court of Canada.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For more 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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