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<title>SECRETARY OF STATE PARADIS TO PARTICIPATE IN LA FRANCOPHONIE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE IN SWITZERLAND</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>December 10, 2002 <em>(10:00 a.m. EST)</em> No. 169</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>SECRETARY OF STATE PARADIS TO PARTICIPATE IN LA FRANCOPHONIE
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE IN SWITZERLAND</strong></font></p>
<p>Denis Paradis, Secretary of State for Latin America, Africa and La Francophonie, announced today that he will be
participating in the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie in Lausanne, Switzerland, on December 12 and 13. The
Conference is part of an effort to implement the new measures adopted by heads of state and government at the IX Summit
of La Francophonie held in Beirut last October. It will provide a forum for substantive discussion on topics of major
interest to Canada. </p>
<p>"At the Conference, we will be working on enhancing economic cooperation and financing development; developing a
synergy between La Francophonie and the New Partnership for Africa's Development; implementing the provisions of the
Beirut Declaration; promoting cultural diversity; and supporting peace, democracy and human rights," said Mr. Paradis. </p>
<p>Participants will also discuss involvement by La Francophonie in the World Summit on the Information Society in 2003. In
addition, they will look at beginning an intensive dialogue with the international partner organizations of La Francophonie,
such as the African Union, the UN Conference on Trade and Development and the UN High Commission for Human
Rights. </p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Isabelle Mignault</p>
<p>Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie)</p>
<p>(613) 995-1852</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221132712/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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