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<title>CANADA'S GLOBAL AND HEMISPHERIC PRIORITIES PROMINENT AT 28TH OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN CARACAS</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">June 4, 1998 No. 143</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CANADA'S GLOBAL AND HEMISPHERIC PRIORITIES</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2"> PROMINENT AT 28th OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN CARACAS</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy welcomed an Organization of American
States (OAS) resolution condemning both India and Pakistan for their recent
nuclear tests. The resolution was adopted on the final day of the General
Assembly of the OAS, held in Caracas, June 1 to 3.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"In Canada's view, the situation in South Asia constitutes a clear and
fundamental threat to international security and therefore to the security of the
Hemisphere. The Western Hemisphere has chosen co-operation, confidence building
and mutual trust as a basis for its security, and is a model for the world," said
Minister Axworthy.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">On the first day of the General Assembly, Minister Axworthy exhorted Foreign
Ministers from the Western Hemisphere to condemn the two countries involved in
nuclear tests, stressing the importance of the Hemisphere in providing leadership
to the world as it had for the Treaty to Ban Landmines. He also emphasized the
need to support the establishment of an International Criminal Court.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Minister welcomed a resolution supporting greater inclusion of civil society
in hemispheric deliberations. Other key resolutions for Canada that were adopted
at this General Assembly included: the establishment of a Parliamentary Network
of the Americas; the plan to make the Western Hemisphere a landmine free zone;
greater respect for international humanitarian law; support for the proposed
American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Populations; and a resolution
supporting modernization of the OAS.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Following up on the 50th anniversary of the OAS and on the recent Summit of the
Americas in Santiago, Chile, this week's meeting also focussed on reform and
renewal of the OAS.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"As we talk of renewal, it is essential that we keep the hopes and aspirations of
our citizens at the forefront. Indeed, to meet the ambitious goals we put forth
in Santiago, we must fully engage our people in our efforts. In this respect,
civil society and parliamentarians have a key role to play. This engagement can
only improve the quality of our work," said Mr. Axworthy.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The General Assembly of the OAS is an annual meeting of representatives of the 34
active member states of the Americas.</font></p>
<p><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>
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