October 8, 1998 (4:45 p.m. EDT) No. 239

CHAN TO VISIT INDONESIA

Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan will visit Indonesia from October 11 to 14. Mr. Chan's visit will enable him to obtain firsthand information on the current situation in Indonesia regarding, in particular, human rights, the social impact of the current economic crisis and the political development in the country. He will also review the status of Canada's assistance package announced last April.

"Dramatic changes have taken place in Indonesia since April, when I visited Indonesia as the Prime Minister's special envoy," said Mr. Chan. "This visit attests to Canada's commitment to help bring about political and economic stability, the establishment of democracy and respect for human rights in Indonesia. We remain concerned about the human rights abuses and acts of violence that occurred in Indonesia last spring, especially against the ethnic Chinese and other minorities. My visit will be an opportunity to impress upon the Indonesian government the importance of investigating the matter thoroughly, to identify the perpetrators and provide redress and rehabilitation for the victims. Canada stands ready to help in any way it can to bring this about."

Mr. Chan hopes to pay a call on President Habibie. His program includes meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and Justice, and a group of parliamentarians. Mr. Chan will also meet with grassroots organizations involved in victim assistance, with non-governmental organizations, such as the Legal Aid Foundation, and with academics and students. He is also scheduled to meet with Muchtar Pakpahan, the independent labour leader who has recently been released from prison, and with members of the business community to discuss how the economic crisis has affected them and their prospects for the future.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Hilary Humphrey

Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)

(613) 995-1852

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