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<title>SECRETARY-GENERAL, COUNCIL OF EUROPE,TO VISIT CANADA</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">February 4, 1997 No. 19</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">SECRETARY-GENERAL, COUNCIL OF EUROPE,</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">TO VISIT CANADA</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that Mr. Daniel Tarschys,
Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, will pay an official visit to Canada
from February 5 to 8 at the invitation of Mr. Axworthy.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Our relations with the Council of Europe are excellent, and the observer status
that we have recently obtained reinforces our partnership in areas of common
interest, including human rights, co-operation with Central and Eastern Europe,
democratization and peace in the former Yugoslavia," said Mr. Axworthy. "This
visit will also help strengthen our transatlantic link with Europe."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">In Ottawa, Mr. Tarschys will meet with Minister Axworthy, Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps and Minister of Justice Allan Rock
to discuss matters of common interest. In Montréal the Secretary-General will
meet with Canada's Intergovernmental Relations Minister, Stéphane Dion, and with
representatives of the Quebec government. Mr. Tarschys will also deliver a speech
at the Cercle Jean Monnet en droit européen (the Jean Monnet European Law Club).</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Over the years Canada and the Council of Europe have developed close ties,
especially in culture, heritage, communications, education, human rights, the
media, gender equality, health and legal affairs.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Our new observer status attests to the European countries' recognition of the
substantial Canadian commitment to Europe," added Mr. Axworthy.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Catherine Lappe</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Director of Communications</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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