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<title>KILGOUR TO VISIT COLOMBIA</title>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong></strong></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>February 16, 2001 <em>(4:50 p.m. EST)</em> No. 24</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>KILGOUR TO VISIT COLOMBIA</strong></font></p>
<p>Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour today announced that he will visit Colombia, on February 19
and 20.</p>
<p>In Bogota, he will deliver the opening address to the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre's Symposium on Peacekeeping in the
Americas. The symposium, which runs from February 19 to 23, will be attended by approximately 100 representatives of
Colombian civil and military institutions. <strong></strong></p>
<p>"Canada has a long and proud history of serving in peacekeeping operations throughout the world," said Kilgour. "At this
symposium, we look forward to sharing this experience with our Colombian hosts."<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>In Bogota, Kilgour will also discuss the peace process, human rights and other issues with President Andrés Pastrana,
Foreign Minister Fernández de Soto, Interior Minister Dr. Humberto de la Calle, and the Ombudsman (Defensor del
Pueblo), Dr. Eduardo Cifuentes. He will also meet with representatives of non-governmental organizations dealing with
human rights, United Nations agencies, and Canadian investors in Colombia. </p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Tasha Stefanis</p>
<p>Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)</p>
<p>(613) 944-2162</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
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