May 29, 1996 No. 99

AXWORTHY TO ATTEND NATO MEETINGS IN BERLIN

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy will attend North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ministerial meetings in Berlin on June 3 and 4.

"These meetings will provide an opportunity for Canada to reaffirm its commitment to the Alliance and to contribute to enduring peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area," said Mr. Axworthy.

On June 3, Mr. Axworthy will attend the North Atlantic Council (NAC). The following day will be devoted to the North Atlantic Co-operation Council (NACC). Discussions among NAC and NACC foreign ministers are expected to focus on co-operation between NATO and non-NATO countries and on the NACC/Partnership for Peace program's contribution to regional stability, security and co-operation.

While in Berlin, Mr. Axworthy will take the opportunity to hold bilateral discussions with some of his counterparts also attending the NAC and NACC ministerial meetings.

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N.B.: Minister Axworthy's scheduled visits to Austria and Ukraine have been postponed.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Catherine Lappe

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874