June 6, 1996 No. 106

CANADA TO HOST OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN 2000

Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) Christine Stewart today announced that Canada will host the 30th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in the year 2000.

"The opportunity to host the General Assembly in 2000 will allow us to welcome our neighbours to the northernmost end of the hemisphere to witness all that we have to offer as a friend and partner," said Mrs. Stewart. "It will allow Canada to demonstrate its own brand of leadership in developing the inter-American agenda at the dawn of the 21st century."

The year 2000 will mark Canada's 10th anniversary as a member of the OAS.

While in Panama earlier this week at the 26th General Assembly of the OAS, Mrs. Stewart signed the Inter-American Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

The Convention provides for co-operation in criminal matters among OAS member states. It includes provisions for gathering evidence in one OAS member state for investigations being conducted in the jurisdiction of another member state. It also reduces the need for Canada to sign individual mutual legal assistance treaties with the other 33 OAS members.

Before the signing, Mrs. Stewart officially inaugurated Canada's embassy in Panama. Opened on October 5, 1995, the embassy serves the growing number of Canadian business people seeking trade and investment opportunities in Panama.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Louise Crosby

Legislative Assistant

Office of the Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa

(613) 995-2947

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874