November 20, 1998 (3:30 p.m. EST) No. 266

CANADA TO PROVIDE UP TO 80 SPECIALISTS TO

THE OSCE KOSOVO VERIFICATION MISSION

The Government of Canada has informed the Organization for Security and

Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) that it can offer up to 80 civilian, police and military personnel to the Kosovo Verification Mission (KVM) to monitor compliance with a United Nations Security Council resolution to end violence in the troubled region.

The Canadian proposal included up to 60 civilian and police verifiers and up to 20 Canadian Forces personnel who would operate both in the field and at KVM Headquarters in Pristina. Canadian personnel will be deployed as required by the mission. The police and civilian personnel component of Canada's participation will be funded by the Canadian International Development Agency through the Peacebuilding Fund, which will provide a contribution of up to $3 million to the OSCE international mission in Kosovo.

The selection of civilians is being conducted primarily by the Canadian Resource Bank for Democracy and Human Rights (CANADEM), an organization funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to maintain a database of Canadians qualified and available for service in the field of human rights and democratic development.

"The developments of the last months on the Kosovo issue demonstrate that the multilateral system works when recognized international organizations are used to their full potential and their mandate is respected," said Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy. "Canada is delighted to see the lead role that the OSCE is taking in this case and will actively be engaged on the full range of issues related to Kosovo, particularly the vital question of the security of verifiers."

"Hope begins when the fighting stops," said Minister for International Co-operation and Minister responsible for La Francophonie Diane Marleau. "Restoring a lasting peace to Kosovo will not be easy, but the first step has been taken. The Peacebuilding Fund was intended to provide speedy assistance to conflict zones, and I am confident the Canadian specialists will ensure that the human face of this conflict is not forgotten."

The KVM's purpose is to ensure that the steps taken by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Albanian Kosovar organizations are made irreversible and verifiable. These include: the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian relief; co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal on the former Yugoslavia; the return of those displaced from their homes and villages; and a reduction of Yugoslav forces in Kosovo to pre-conflict levels. The OSCE Mission will operate in close co-operation with NATO, whose aircraft will be engaged in airborne verification.

"The Canadian Forces have acquired valuable experience in the Kosovo Diplomatic Observer Mission and in other similar missions," said Minister of National Defence Art Eggleton. "That experience, along with their excellent training, ensure that our personnel are well qualified to verify compliance with the military verification aspects of the OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission agreement."

"The RCMP stands ready to provide personnel to assist in this important mission," said Solicitor General Andy Scott. "The Force has participated with great distinction in previous United Nations efforts in the former Yugoslavia to bring peace and stability to the region."

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown Media Relations Office

Office of the Minister Department of Foreign Affairs

of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1851 (613) 995-1874

André Doren Media Relations Office

Office of the Minister The Canadian International

for International Co-operation Development Agency

and Minister responsible (819)953-6534

for La Francophonie

(819) 997-6919

Nicole Bourget Media Liaison Office

Office of the Minister of Department of National Defence

National Defence (613) 996-2353

(613) 996-3100

Dan Brien RCMP Media Relations

Office of the Solicitor General (613) 993-2999

(613) 990-2743

This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca