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<title>AXWORTHY WELCOMES PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE REPORT ON NUCLEAR POLICY</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">December 10, 1998 (3:00 p.m. EST) No. 291</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">AXWORTHY WELCOMES PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE REPORT ON NUCLEAR POLICY</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the release of the report, <em>Canada and the Nuclear
Challenge</em>, presented by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International
Trade. The report lists 15 recommendations for the conduct of Canada's nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation policy.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"I welcome the Committee's study of important issues which have stirred legitimate and widespread debate
among Canadians," said Mr. Axworthy. "The Committee undertook this project taking into account Canada's
long-standing commitment to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation as a core dimension of our
broader pursuit of international peace and security. The members heard testimony from a wide range of
strategic analysts, experts and non-governmental organizations, and I look forward to reviewing the
Committee's recommendations." </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Canada played a key role in securing the indefinite extension in 1995 of the Treaty for the Non-Proliferation of
Nuclear Weapons (NPT), now signed by 187 states, as well as the conclusion of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which Minister Axworthy signed in September 1996. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">On May 26, 1998, Minister Axworthy spoke before the Committee on the implications for the nuclear
disarmament and non-proliferation regime. He emphasized that Canada's credentials as a credible participant
and promoter of new channels for diplomacy and change should guide further progress on the nuclear
disarmament front. Minister Axworthy added that Canada should also take steps to ensure against the threat
posed by nuclear proliferation.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will have 150 days to </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">co-ordinate a response to the recommendations in the report, in close consultation</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">with other government departments and agencies.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1851</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: </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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