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<title>CANADA RESUMES EMBASSY OPERATIONS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">January 20, 1998 No. 17</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CANADA RESUMES EMBASSY OPERATIONS </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy announced today that Canada has resumed
its Embassy operations in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and that
Verona Edelstein has been appointed as Ambassador.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"We resumed Embassy operations in Kinshasa in order to participate actively in
international and regional efforts in pursuit of peace and security in the area,"
said Minister Axworthy. "Our presence will also enable us to engage the
government in a sustained dialogue, thereby assisting in the achievement of good
governance and the development of democracy and fundamental human rights and
freedoms."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Operations at the Canadian Embassy have been suspended since May 1993. Canadian
consular services have been available, however, through a Canadian Office in the
Embassy of the United States in Kinshasa. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada stands ready to support in a tangible way the Congolese government's
endeavours in developing the country's social, human, and economic potential,"
said Minister Axworthy. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Ambassador Edelstein, a career diplomat, has held the positions of Director,
Eastern and Southern Africa Relations Division, as well as Director, United
Nations Social and Humanitarian Affairs Division. She was also co-Chair of the
Interdepartmental Working Group responsible for the creation of the International
Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development in Montréal. Most recently,
from 1994 to 1997, Ambassador Edelstein was High Commissioner to Tanzania.</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>
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