<html>
<head>
<meta name="Generator" content="Corel WordPerfect 8">
<title>KILGOUR TO VISIT COLOMBIA TO COMMEMORATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES</title>
</head>
<body text="#000000" link="#0000ff" vlink="#551a8b" alink="#ff0000" bgcolor="#c0c0c0">
<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">April 23, 1998 No. 98</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2"> KILGOUR TO VISIT COLOMBIA</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2"> TO COMMEMORATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Secretary of State David Kilgour (Latin America and Africa) will visit Colombia
to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Organization of American States (OAS) in
Bogotá from April </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">29 to 30. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This 50th anniversary commemoration is an important step in linking the
activities of the OAS with the goals of the Summit of Americas," said Kilgour.
"The event follows closely the Santiago Summit and thus allows us all to discuss
following up the decisions reached there."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Canada continues to view the OAS as the principal venue where governments can
come together to debate the issues confronting the region with the help of
representatives from civil society, international organizations, and sectoral
experts from all levels of government. As the primary forum for political,
developmental and social dialogue in the hemisphere, the OAS is assuming
increasing responsibility for the implementation of commitments made by leaders
at the Summit of the Americas, which include encouraging the progress of peace,
justice, human rights, equal opportunities, sustainable development, free trade
and the environment.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">While in Bogotá, Secretary Kilgour will speak at the OAS Special Commemorative
meeting where member states will adopt the Declaration of Bogotá, which will
reaffirm each nation's commitment to the principles and charter of the OAS and
call for greater hemispheric co-operation and institutional renewal of the
Organization.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> - 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Sara Mohsin</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 992-9404</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">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
</body>
</html>
