August 24, 1998 No. 199

AXWORTHY ANNOUNCES CANADA'S RESPONSE TO CONSTRUCTIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN NIGERIA

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy announced today that Canada will support the constructive movement towards democracy in Nigeria.

"The statements and initial measures undertaken by General Abubakar over the past two months have given hope to friends of Nigeria that the country is setting a course for meaningful democratic reform," said Mr. Axworthy. "At this stage, we cannot be certain of the outcome given the country's recent history, but we want to give the Government of Nigeria every chance to achieve its stated objectives."

Minister Axworthy met today in Ottawa with Nigerian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Gambari, to discuss recent developments in his country and to inform him of Canada's decision to implement the following bilateral activities:

the re-establishment of a Canadian diplomatic presence in Nigeria;

financial and technical aid in support of Nigeria's transition to democracy;

sponsorship of a forum for pan-Commonwealth non-governmental organizations (NGOs); and

a visit to Nigeria by Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour.

A Canadian diplomat will be posted to Nigeria, the first Canadian official to serve in that country following the closing of the Canadian High Commission in March 1997. This presence will facilitate Canada's direct contact with government and non-government representatives in the country. The Canadian High Commission will not be reopened at this time.

Although Canada has provided no direct development assistance to Nigeria since 1995, support has been given to the Nigerian democratic movement. This support will continue, and Canada is also now prepared to provide direct assistance in implementing Nigeria's transition program.

"Over the last several weeks, I have consulted with a number of my Commonwealth colleagues and representatives of the Nigerian democracy movement," said Mr. Axworthy. "I have concluded that the participation and support of the international community in the transition process is essential to its success and to establishing its credibility."

Canada will sponsor a pan-Commonwealth NGO forum to take place this fall in Harare, Zimbabwe. The forum is designed to encourage the people of the Commonwealth to augment the work of states in promoting the Commonwealth principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Mr. Axworthy has asked Secretary of State Kilgour to visit Nigeria in September to continue the direct dialogue with the present government and report on the situation in the country. Mr. Kilgour will consult a broad cross-section of Nigerian society to obtain a variety of viewpoints on recent developments and to explore ways in which Canada might encourage and support the transition process.

Minister Axworthy will also urge the Commonwealth Secretary- General to begin developing the criteria and information necessary for the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to assess Nigeria's democratic progress over the transition period.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

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