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<title>CANADA TO PARTICIPATE IN NATO MILITARY ENFORCEMENT ACTION IN KOSOVO</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">October 12, 1998 <em>(8:05 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 242</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CANADA TO PARTICIPATE IN NATO MILITARY ENFORCEMENT
ACTION IN KOSOVO</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and National Defence Minister Art Eggleton
welcomed initial signs of progress in U.S. Ambassador Holbrooke's negotiations
aimed at achieving a peaceful solution to the Kosovo crisis. At the same time, the
Ministers confirmed that Canada will participate in NATO air operations against
Yugoslavia, should that be necessary, to end the conflict there and prevent a
humanitarian disaster.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1199, adopted on September 23, imposed
clear obligations: that forces of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) cease
attacking civilians; that the FRY withdraw forces used to oppress civilians; that
FRY authorities begin meaningful negotiations with Kosovar political leaders; that
the Kosovars refrain from violence and negotiate; that the delivery of
humanitarian assistance be facilitated; and that international observers enjoy
freedom of movement.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"The Yugoslav government has failed to comply with the terms of United Nations
Security Council Resolution 1199," said Mr. Axworthy. "The United Nations
Secretary-General has appealed to the international community to undertake urgent
steps to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Kosovo. Regrettably, despite our
repeated efforts, it has proven impossible at this time for the Security Council
to agree on further action. Canada, like others, still hopes for a diplomatic
solution, but believes that NATO's decision today can contribute to ending the
conflict and avoiding an even greater human tragedy."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Following the NATO decision, and with the support of Parliament, the Government
of Canada has committed six CF-18 fighter aircraft, a KC-130 tanker aircraft and
approximately 180 military personnel to this multinational operation,"
Mr. Eggleton said. "Canada's decision to participate with our allies in military
action reflects our deep concern not only for international security, but also for
the lives of tens of thousands of innocent people in Kosovo."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Canadian Forces personnel and six CF-18 fighter aircraft based in Aviano,
Italy, have been taking part in flights over Bosnia to enforce the NATO no-fly
zone and support NATO ground forces. They have also participated in two NATO
Partnership for Peace exercises to demonstrate NATO's resolve to support stability
in the region.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The CF-18 fighter aircraft and crews were pre-positioned in Italy in June, 1998,
to ensure that Canada would be in a position to participate in NATO's response to
the situation in Kosovo, if diplomatic efforts alone failed to produce results.
The KC-130 has been on stand-by for possible deployment to the mission, and is
expected to depart when requested by NATO.</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">Nicole Bourget</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Director of Communications</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of National Defence</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 996-3100</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Liaison Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of National Defence</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 996-2353</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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