June 28, 2001 (10:05 a.m. EDT) No. 90

MANLEY ANNOUNCES ESTABLISHMENT OF CANADIAN EMBASSY

IN LIBYA

John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the establishment of a Canadian embassy in Tripoli, Libya. The embassy will be headed by Chargé d'affaires, George Jacoby, who will be the first Canadian diplomat with residence in Libya since the establishment of diplomatic relations in October 1968.

"The presence of a Canadian diplomat and embassy in Tripoli opens a new era in our relations with Libya," declared Minister Manley. "It will reinforce our trade relations and expand political dialogue between the two countries."

The embassy in Tunis, Tunisia remains responsible for the management of various Canadian government programs for Libya. The Canadian ambassador resident in Tunis will continue to be accredited to Libya.

After the United Nations announced the suspension of its 1992 sanctions, Canada, in April 1999, suspended the application of these sanctions. In addition, Canadian sanctions, adopted in 1986, were also lifted.

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A biographical note on Mr. Jacoby is attached.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sanjeev Chowdhury

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

George Jacoby was born on April 4, 1949 in Regina, Saskatchewan. He holds a B.A. in International Affairs from Dartmouth College and an M.A. in Public Administration from Carleton University. A member of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade since 1973, Mr. Jacoby has served abroad at Canadian missions in Chicago, Egypt (Arabic language training), Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Colombia-Ecuador and, most recently, as Counsellor in Tehran, Iran. In Ottawa he has served at the deputy director level in divisions responsible for the Middle East, Nuclear Co-operation, International Investment Policy, Canada-U.S. General and Trade Relations and, most recently, Cabinet and Parliamentary Affairs.