May 5, 2000 (8:30 a.m. EDT) No. 92

HIGH REPRESENTATIVE WOLFGANG PETRITSCH TO VISIT CANADA

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

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(613) 995-1874