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<title>NEW FRAMEWORK UNDERSCORES CANADA'S COMMITMENT TO MINE ACTION CO-ORDINATION</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">March 24, 1998 No. 67</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">NEW FRAMEWORK UNDERSCORES CANADA'S COMMITMENT TO
MINE ACTION CO-ORDINATION</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Diane Marleau, Minister for
International Co-operation, today announced new measures in the fight against
anti-personnel (AP) mines. The announcement came at the close of the
International Workshop for Mine Action Co-ordination in Ottawa.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The ministers announced that a framework for partnership in global mine action --
between Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Canadian International
Development Agency, National Defence, and Industry Canada -- has been established
to manage the $100 million fund announced by Prime Minister Chrétien last
December. The role of Canadian and international Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOs) in contributing to the development of mine action policy and program
delivery will promote an effective and co-ordinated response to the AP mine
crisis. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"It is this partnership between departments and NGOs that shows the high priority
we place on an integrated, holistic approach to mine action," said Minister
Axworthy. "We owe it to victims to get down to action without delay."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada and the world community are determined to make the best use of our common
resources to address the crisis of landmines," said Minister Marleau.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">During the workshop, participants recognized the need to reinforce the capacity
of the United Nations (UN) to act as a focal point for co-ordinated anti-personnel mine activities. Canada is responding immediately to this need by
today announcing a contribution of $2 million in 1998-99 to the UN Voluntary
Trust Fund for Mine Clearance in support of the Mine Action Service. These funds
will be used to reinforce the UN's ability to undertake assessment missions and
surveys -- the essential first step in effective mine action -- and to co-ordinate
global efforts.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Ottawa convention banning anti-personnel mines, is the first disarmament
instrument to ban a widely used weapon of war. The convention calls for
international co-operation to ensure stockpile destruction, assistance to victims
and mine clearance.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 1998 federal budget
and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -<strong></strong></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">André Doren</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister for International Co-operation</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(819) 997-6919</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">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Canadian International Development Agency</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(819) 953-6534</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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