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<title>CANADA WELCOMES CREATION OF NEW UN PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN HAITI</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">June 28, 1996 No. 120</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CANADA WELCOMES CREATION OF NEW </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">UN PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN HAITI</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of National Defence David
Collenette and Pierre S. Pettigrew, Minister for International Co-operation and
Minister Responsible for la Francophonie, today welcomed the decision of the
United Nations Security Council to create the United Nations Support Mission in
Haiti (UNSMIH), which will be operational for the five-month period July 1 to
November 30, 1996. This mission will replace the United Nations Mission in Haiti,
whose mandate ends on June 30, 1996. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"We are pleased that the Security Council has agreed on the terms for this new UN
peacekeeping mission in Haiti. Canada firmly believes that the continuation of
the UN's presence will assist Haiti's efforts to consolidate democracy and will
provide a firm foundation for peace and development in that country," said
Mr. Axworthy.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada's continued involvement with this UN mission is an indication of our
determination to ensure stability and security in Haiti," said Mr. Collenette.
"Our troop contribution will number up to 750, in keeping with our previous
peacekeeping commitment."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The ministers noted that Canada's historic ties to Haiti have been strengthened
through peacekeeping efforts and the bilateral development assistance program and
that the two countries have a close relationship based on people-to-people
contacts and a shared Francophone heritage. Canada's continued involvement in
this mission is in keeping with the all-party resolution of the House of Commons
Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"I am pleased that Canada, through funding provided by the Canadian International
Development Agency, will contribute 100 police officers to UNSMIH's civilian
police contingent of 300," said Mr. Pettigrew.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">UNSMIH will be jointly funded by the UN and voluntary contributions from
interested members, including Canada. Its mandate will be to assist in the
professionalization of the Haitian National Police, to help maintain a climate of
public security and to provide assistance in strengthening Haiti's democratic
institutions. </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
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<p><font face="Courier">Catherine Lappe</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">Director General of Public
Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Liaison Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of National Defence</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 996-2353</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) 995-6534</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">Stéphane Corbin</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of
National Defence</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 996-3100</font></p>
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