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<title>CANADA TO CONTRIBUTE $1 MILLION TOSLOVENIAN TRUST FUND FOR MINE ACTIONIN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">November 6, 1998 (5:00 p.m. EST) No. 260</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">CANADA TO CONTRIBUTE $1 MILLION TO</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">SLOVENIAN TRUST FUND FOR MINE ACTION</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Minister for International Co-operation and Minister responsible for
La Francophonie Diane Marleau today welcomed the establishment of the International Trust Fund for
Demining and for the Assistance of Mine Victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina by the government of Slovenia.
The Ministers also announced a Canadian contribution of $1 million to the Fund.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Canada applauds and encourages the spirit of regional co-operation shown by the governments of Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Slovenia in developing this Fund. This partnership will have long-term benefits for mine action
on the ground in Bosnia," said Mr. Axworthy.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Canada has committed $10 million over five years for mine action in Bosnia and welcomes the opportunity to
encourage other donors through this new initiative," he added.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"This is a unique opportunity to broaden our mine action efforts in Bosnia. We expect this Fund will demonstrate
the practical benefits of donor countries and mine-affected countries setting common priorities and pooling their
resources," said Madame Marleau. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Slovenia developed this Fund to help foster regional reconstruction, and made the first contribution to the Fund
in the amount of US$1.2 million. The United States has pledged up to a maximum of US$28 million to match
every other donor's contribution. Over two years, the Fund could grow to as much as US$56 million. The Fund
will have a positive effect on mine action in Bosnia, a heavily mine-affected country, by enhancing existing mine
action projects and integrating new ones.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Ministers' statement coincides with the first donor conference for the Trust Fund, which is taking place in
Ljubljana, Slovenia, November 8 and 9. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Canada's contribution comes from the $10 million it announced for mine action in Bosnia and Herzegovina last
March, which was itself sourced from the five-year, $100 million dollar Canadian Landmine Fund established in
December 1997.</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">André Doren</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister for International Co-operation and </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Minister responsible for La Francophonie</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(819) 997-6919</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>
<p><font face="Arial">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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