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<title>HIGH REPRESENTATIVE WOLFGANG PETRITSCH TO VISIT CANADA</title>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>May 5, 2000 <em>(8:30 a.m. EDT)</em> No. 92</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>HIGH REPRESENTATIVE WOLFGANG PETRITSCH TO VISIT CANADA</strong></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy announced today that Ambassador
Wolfgang Petritsch, High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will visit Ottawa
May 8. This will be the first visit to Canada of a High Representative in Bosnia since the
signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement in December 1995.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Canada supports the critical work of the High Representative in ensuring the
implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. His visit will be an important occasion
to discuss the situation in the Balkans, including Canada's own extensive commitment
to the peace process throughout the region," said Mr. Axworthy. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">During his visit, Ambassador Petritsch will speak at a Newsmaker Breakfast and meet
with Minister Axworthy, Minister of National Defence Art Eggleton and Minister for
International Co-operation Maria Minna. He will also meet with members of the Standing
Committees on National Defence and Veterans Affairs, and Foreign Affairs and
International Trade. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Since 1995, Canada has committed over $93 million to Bosnia and Herzegovina
through the Canadian International Development Agency. Canadian peacekeepers
have also been present in Bosnia since 1992. In October, Canada will assume
command of a sector of the international peacekeeping force in Bosnia, the
Multinational Division South-West. The number of Canadian troops will increase from
approximately 1400 to 1800. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The mandate of the High Representative, established by the Dayton Peace Agreement,
is to oversee the implementation of the Agreement's civilian aspects. As the senior
international official in Bosnia, the High Representative plays a central role in ensuring
that the Bosnian authorities meet their commitments under the Agreement, and
progressively assume more responsibility for the administration of their country. The
work of the High Representative is guided by the Peace Implementation Council
Steering Board, of which Canada is a member.</font></p>
<p><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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