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<title>THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA HAS DECIDED NOT TO ACCEPT THE INVITATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF FRANCE</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">March 9, 1999 <em>(7:40 p.m. EST)</em> No. 53</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Government of Canada has decided not to accept the invitation of the Government of France to participate in a Ministerial meeting on
development and culture, to be held in Paris on March 10 on the margins of the Annual Meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Canada has taken this decision with regret due to the fact that France, without consultation, issued a direct invitation to the Government of
Quebec to attend a meeting of Ministers of sovereign states. Only the Government of Canada has the right to decide on the presence and
representation of Canada and its constituent parts in our relations with other sovereign states.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">This decision by the Government of Canada does not put in question the rules governing La Francophonie, or the direct and privileged relations
that have been established over the years between France and Quebec with the agreement of the Government of Canada. However, this
practice cannot be extended to any other international context without the express consent of the Government of Canada.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">It would be regrettable if the balance in the relationship among Paris, Ottawa and Quebec were jeopardized by a lack of consultation.</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">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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