MARCHI ISSUES STATEMENT ON MAI TALKS
April 16, 1998 No. 92
MARCHI ISSUES STATEMENT ON MAI TALKS
International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi stressed again today that Canada is
not bound to any artificial deadline for the negotiations on a Multilateral
Agreement on Investment (MAI).
"The Government has said repeatedly that it will only sign the right deal at the
right time," Mr. Marchi said, restating the Canadian position following a
Wednesday news report that misinterpreted the Minister's comment that "Canada's
position is to not agree to another deadline."
"This means that we will not be rushed into a deal," Mr. Marchi added. "We will
not sign an MAI unless it safeguards our vital interests and values."
The MAI negotiations, which are being conducted under the auspices of the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), were to conclude
at the end of April. It is now clear that this OECD target date will not be met.
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