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<title>KILGOUR TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMONWEALTH MINISTERIAL MISSION TO SIERRA LEONE</title>
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<p><font face="CG Times"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">March 24, 1998 No. 69</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">KILGOUR TO PARTICIPATE IN </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">COMMONWEALTH MINISTERIAL MISSION TO SIERRA LEONE</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Courier">Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour will participate in a
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) mission to Sierra Leone from March
30 to 31.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Kilgour's visit to Sierra Leone results from the decision taken at the CMAG
meeting in London in March that five member countries send representatives to
Sierra Leone. Along with Canada, these include: Ghana, Great Britain, Malaysia
and Zimbabwe. The mission will demonstrate Commonwealth support for the
democratically elected President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, newly returned to Sierra
Leone with the assistance of the Economic Community of West African States.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canadians are delighted to see President Kabbah's safe return to Freetown,"
Secretary Kilgour said. "We remain concerned, however, that although Freetown is
relatively safe, violence is continuing in some rural areas. This is hindering
relief operations and prolonging the suffering of people who have already
survived seven years of enormous hardship."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Immediately following the CMAG mission to Sierra Leone, Kilgour will lead a
Canadian business development mission to Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Ghana, Mali
and South Africa.</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">Sara Mohsin</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 992-9404</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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