January 11, 1999 (4:15 p.m. EST) No. 3

CANADA WELCOMES RELEASE OF NORBERT REINHART

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the release of Norbert Reinhart who had been held captive by leftist rebels in Colombia for over three months.

"These lengthy kidnappings, first of Edward Leonard and then of Mr. Reinhart, were cruel and inhumane," said Mr. Axworthy. "The taking of innocent civilians in any circumstances is unacceptable. This outcome, in having Mr. Reinhart released, was made possible only by very active co-operation and a deep commitment by several interested parties."

Mr. Axworthy expressed appreciation for the excellent co-operation Canada received from the Colombian authorities, the Catholic Church of Colombia, Greystar Resources Inc. and the International Committee of the Red Cross in seeking the release of Mr. Reinhart.

Minister Axworthy also expressed satisfaction that the peace process between the government of Colombia and leftist forces is now underway. Canada firmly supports this process and is ready to lend assistance, if requested by the parties, to these difficult and protracted discussions. The Canadian Ambassador to Colombia, William Ross, attended the inauguration of peace talks on January 7, 1999, at the invitation of Colombian President Andrés Pastrana.

Canada deplores the massacre of more than 100 Colombian civilians over the last several days by paramilitary groups who are not currently involved in the peace process.

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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

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