February 12, 1998 Nš 29

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS TO VISIT ALGERIA

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that a delegation of Canadian parliamentarians will visit Algeria in March 1998 at the invitation of Algeria's National People's Assembly. The delegation will be led by the Minister of State and Government House Leader, the Honourable Don Boudria.

"I am pleased with this invitation by the National People's Assembly," said Mr. Axworthy. "This visit will take place within the framework of the political dialogue between Canadian and Algerian authorities, which has intensified recently following the tragic events in Algeria over the past months."

During their stay in Algeria, Minister Boudria and the other parliamentarians will discuss the security situation in the country and the plight of the people with their Algerian counterparts and with civil society, as well as other issues of common interest. Minister Boudria visited Algeria in December 1996.

"I am happy to return to Algeria to pursue further development of our relations with this country," said Minister Boudria. "I will express all Canadians' sympathy and solidarity with the Algerian population during this difficult period. In addition to the security situation, I also plan to discuss the bilateral relations between Canada and Algeria."

The Delegation will include Canadian parliamentarians, members of the Government and of the Opposition.

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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