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<title>SENATOR WILSON TO PARTICIPATE IN SUDAN PEACE TALKS</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">December 15, 1999 <em>(2:00 p.m. EST)</em> No. 273</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong> SENATOR WILSON TO PARTICIPATE IN SUDAN PEACE TALKS</strong></font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that Senator Lois Wilson, Canada's special envoy to
the Sudan Peace Process, will travel to Geneva for several meetings on December 16 and 17 aimed at
improving the prospects for a lasting peace in Sudan.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">On December 16, Senator Wilson will lead Canadian participation at the Inter-Governmental Authority on
Development (IGAD) Partners Forum, which will discuss long-term planning, rehabilitation and development
issues related to the war-affected areas in Sudan. The following day, Senator Wilson will attend a meeting on
the UN's relief effort, Operation Lifeline Sudan. She will also participate in bilateral discussions with Sudanese
government officials and members of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, a southern-based movement
that has been fighting consecutive Sudanese governments.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Canada's commitment to human security guides our involvement in Sudan, particularly with respect to the
protection of civilians in armed conflict," said Mr. Axworthy. "We will continue to focus our efforts on the
reinvigoration of the peace process. Senator Wilson's visit will provide further insight into how best to resolve
the situation in Sudan. Her presence will strengthen the overall support of IGAD mediation for a long-lasting
peace."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">To date, Senator Wilson has held a number of meetings to explore the Sudanese situation. She met with
Bethuel Kipligat, a prominent Kenyan civil society leader and specialist on regional peace issues. Prior to her
departure for Geneva, she also met with Dr. Haruun Ruun and Telar Ring Deng, both representatives of the
New Sudan Council of Churches, and Sudanese officials.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">On a related matter, Mr. Axworthy also welcomed and was encouraged by the announcement made on
December 10 by Talisman Energy that it will adopt the International Code of Ethics for Canadian Business. The
International Code was developed in 1997 by a group of Canadian companies with multinational operations.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"This move represents a significant acknowledgement on the part of Talisman of the need for Canadian
business to take ethical considerations into account in their overseas operations," said Mr. Axworthy. "We are
encouraged by Talisman Energy's recent reaffirmation that it will actively promote the peace process and
issues pertaining to human rights in Sudan."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">On October 26, Minister Axworthy appointed Canada's special advisor on African issues, John Harker, to
investigate whether Sudan's oil industry is linked to human rights abuses as well as allegations of slavery.
During the past week, he has met with senior government officials, representatives of civil society, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and members of the opposition.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Canada's policy on Sudan includes supporting the multilateral peace process, maintaining limited engagement
with the Government of Sudan, addressing human rights concerns, supporting civil society, and continuing
dialogue with the private sector and NGOs.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Government of Canada notes with concern the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Sudan and
urges the Government of Sudan to reaffirm their full commitment to the IGAD peace process and establish a
timetable for the early resumption of talks. The state of emergency in Sudan has not affected Mr. Harker's
assessment mission.</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>
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