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<title>KILGOUR TO VISIT MEXICO CITY</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">December 3, 1998 <em>(11:45 a.m. EST)</em> No. 281</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">KILGOUR TO VISIT MEXICO CITY </font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial">Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour will discuss a wide range of foreign policy issues
with Mexican officials and participate in events highlighting the role of people with disabilities during a visit to
Mexico City on December 4 and 5.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"The Canada-Mexico relationship is deepening and maturing, and has moved beyond formal political and
economic links to include a range of social and cultural issues," said Kilgour. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">On December 4, Kilgour will meet with Juan Rebolledo, the Undersecretary for North America and Europe; Luis
Ponce de Léon Armenta of the National Human Rights Commission; and Alan Arias, assistant to Mexico's
Federal Co-ordinator for Chiapas. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">On the same day, Kilgour will also visit a centre for children with disabilities in Mexico City run by the
Association for People with Cerebral Palsy. The Canadian Embassy in Mexico has contributed $18 500 to the
project through its Canada Fund to equip the centre's gymnasium for use in rehabilitation. The majority of the 50
children using the centre come from poor families who would otherwise be unable to afford such services.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">On December 5, Kilgour will address the Fifth World Assembly of Disabled Peoples International, a grassroots
non-government organization based in Winnipeg, which promotes the rights of people with disabilities.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial"> "For our work in alleviating poverty and promoting democracy in the region to be successful, it must both
recognize the contributions of the disabled to society and address their special needs," said Kilgour.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial"> </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">As part of his program in Mexico City, Kilgour will also meet with professors of Canadian Studies and Canadian
business people. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Sara Mohsin</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 992-9404</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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