November 25, 1998 (3:00 p.m. EST) No. 270

AXWORTHY TO VISIT WASHINGTON

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy will travel to Washington on November 30, 1998, to participate in the Conference to Support the Middle East Peace Process and Development. While in Washington, Minister Axworthy will also meet with U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

"With the signing of the Wye River Memorandum, Israel and the Palestinians have taken another step toward achieving a just and lasting peace," said Mr. Axworthy. "This Conference demonstrates the commitment of the international community to supporting the peace process and Palestinian development."

The foreign ministers of 50 countries have been invited to participate in the Conference.

Later, Minister Axworthy will attend a working dinner with Secretary of State Albright. They will discuss a broad range of issues including Kosovo, Canada's Security Council agenda, the human security agenda and building the North American community. During the meeting they will also consider a proposal for improved pre-clearance arrangements and new intransit facilities in Canadian airports.

Mr. Axworthy will also ask her assistance in seeking clemency for Joseph Faulder, a Canadian citizen sentenced to death, who Canada believes was denied his rights under the Vienna Convention. Mr. Faulder faces execution in Texas on December 10.

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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