<html>
<head>
<meta name="Generator" content="Corel WordPerfect 8">
<title>AXWORTHY SATISFIED BY ENVOY'S REPORT ON ALGERIA</title>
</head>
<body text="#000000" link="#0000ff" vlink="#551a8b" alink="#ff0000" bgcolor="#c0c0c0">
<p><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">January 14, 1998 No. 9</font></p>
<p><font face="Univers" size="+2">AXWORTHY SATISFIED BY ENVOY'S REPORT ON ALGERIA</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed satisfaction with the
discussions initiated by Canada's Special Envoy to Algeria Claude Laverdure with
senior Algerian authorities. The Minister said he hopes the discussions have
opened the way to further dialogue with Algeria on providing some assistance.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">On January 6, Mr. Laverdure, Assistant Deputy Minister (Europe, Middle East and
North Africa), was designated as a Special Envoy to Algeria to convey Canada's
sympathy, to urge greater transparency concerning the current terrorism there,
and to offer Canadian aid to the victims. Mr. Laverdure travelled to Algeria
where he met with Algerian Foreign Minister Attaf.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">While in Algiers, Mr. Laverdure presented a letter from Prime Minister Chrétien
to Algerian President Zéroual expressing the Prime Minister's concern over the
continuing violence in Algeria, and offering some assistance. Minister Axworthy
said a reply is expected soon.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Axworthy said the Algerian government welcomed Canada's initiative and the
meeting with Mr. Laverdure was warm and cordial. The Algerian government said
they also would welcome a mission of parliamentarians from Canada, as well as
Canadian journalists, if they want to visit and report on Algeria.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Based on these meetings, we are hopeful that we can have further discussions
with Algeria in order to improve the situation for those in need," said Minister
Axworthy.</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">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851 </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>
</body>
</html>
