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<title>AXWORTHY RECEIVES REPORT OF ASSESSMENT MISSION TO SUDAN</title>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">January 26, 2000 <em>(5:10 p.m. EST)</em> No. 12</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>AXWORTHY RECEIVES REPORT OF ASSESSMENT MISSION </strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>TO SUDAN</strong></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy met this afternoon with John Harker who, at
the request of the Minister, led a mission to Sudan in December 1999 to examine
allegations about human rights abuses, including the practice of slavery. Mr. Harker
presented the Minister with the report detailing his observations and findings.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Minister thanked Mr. Harker and the members of his team for their work and
their contribution to Canada's efforts to support international efforts for a negotiated
settlement to this long-standing conflict. He also thanked the Government of Sudan
and Talisman for their co-operation in facilitating the carrying out of Mr. Harker's
mission.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"The report raises important issues of policy which will need to be carefully
considered," Mr. Axworthy said. "It will, along with the work of others, including
Senator Lois Wilson, help us to determine policy directions and future actions, as we
continue our sustained efforts to help bring peace to Sudan."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Senator Wilson, who is Canada's special envoy to the Sudan Peace Process, will
leave for Africa on January 30. During her trip, she will hold meetings in Nairobi,
Addis Ababa, Khartoum and Cairo. </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
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