February 16, 2001 (4:50 p.m. EST) No. 24

KILGOUR TO VISIT COLOMBIA

Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour today announced that he will visit Colombia, on February 19 and 20.

In Bogota, he will deliver the opening address to the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre's Symposium on Peacekeeping in the Americas. The symposium, which runs from February 19 to 23, will be attended by approximately 100 representatives of Colombian civil and military institutions.

"Canada has a long and proud history of serving in peacekeeping operations throughout the world," said Kilgour. "At this symposium, we look forward to sharing this experience with our Colombian hosts."

In Bogota, Kilgour will also discuss the peace process, human rights and other issues with President Andrés Pastrana, Foreign Minister Fernández de Soto, Interior Minister Dr. Humberto de la Calle, and the Ombudsman (Defensor del Pueblo), Dr. Eduardo Cifuentes. He will also meet with representatives of non-governmental organizations dealing with human rights, United Nations agencies, and Canadian investors in Colombia.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Tasha Stefanis

Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)

(613) 944-2162

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874