March 24, 1998 No. 69

KILGOUR TO PARTICIPATE IN

COMMONWEALTH MINISTERIAL MISSION TO SIERRA LEONE

Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour will participate in a Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) mission to Sierra Leone from March 30 to 31.

Kilgour's visit to Sierra Leone results from the decision taken at the CMAG meeting in London in March that five member countries send representatives to Sierra Leone. Along with Canada, these include: Ghana, Great Britain, Malaysia and Zimbabwe. The mission will demonstrate Commonwealth support for the democratically elected President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, newly returned to Sierra Leone with the assistance of the Economic Community of West African States.

"Canadians are delighted to see President Kabbah's safe return to Freetown," Secretary Kilgour said. "We remain concerned, however, that although Freetown is relatively safe, violence is continuing in some rural areas. This is hindering relief operations and prolonging the suffering of people who have already survived seven years of enormous hardship."

Immediately following the CMAG mission to Sierra Leone, Kilgour will lead a Canadian business development mission to Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Ghana, Mali and South Africa.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sara Mohsin

Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)

(613) 992-9404

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca