January 31, 1997 No. 16

MONTREAL MP ATTENDS OPENING OF YEAR-LONG CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN GREECE

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that Eleni Bakopanos, Member of Parliament for Saint-Denis, is representing Canada at the opening ceremonies (January 30 to February 1) of the year-long cultural festival in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Thessaloniki has been designated Europe's Cultural Capital for 1997, a concept that was initiated 20 year ago by Melina Mercouri, former actress and Greek Minister of Culture.

"Canada's presence as the second-largest foreign participant in the festival is an expression of the importance of culture as the third pillar of Canadian foreign policy," said Mr. Axworthy. "Our participation will give impetus to Canada/Greece bilateral relations and promote closer ties between our two countries."

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, in co-operation with the private sector, is providing financial assistance to a number of Canadian artists and cultural organizations to participate in the Thessaloniki Festival, including Nexus -- a percussion ensemble from Toronto, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Montreal's LaLaLa Human Steps dance company.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Catherine Lappe

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca