April 23, 1998 No. 98

KILGOUR TO VISIT COLOMBIA

TO COMMEMORATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES

Secretary of State David Kilgour (Latin America and Africa) will visit Colombia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Bogotá from April

29 to 30.

"This 50th anniversary commemoration is an important step in linking the activities of the OAS with the goals of the Summit of Americas," said Kilgour. "The event follows closely the Santiago Summit and thus allows us all to discuss following up the decisions reached there."

Canada continues to view the OAS as the principal venue where governments can come together to debate the issues confronting the region with the help of representatives from civil society, international organizations, and sectoral experts from all levels of government. As the primary forum for political, developmental and social dialogue in the hemisphere, the OAS is assuming increasing responsibility for the implementation of commitments made by leaders at the Summit of the Americas, which include encouraging the progress of peace, justice, human rights, equal opportunities, sustainable development, free trade and the environment.

While in Bogotá, Secretary Kilgour will speak at the OAS Special Commemorative meeting where member states will adopt the Declaration of Bogotá, which will reaffirm each nation's commitment to the principles and charter of the OAS and call for greater hemispheric co-operation and institutional renewal of the Organization.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sara Mohsin

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

(613) 992-9404

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