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<title>COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY-GENERAL TO VISIT CANADA</title>
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<p><font size="+1"><strong>April 29, 2003 <em>(1:10 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 43</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY-GENERAL TO VISIT CANADA</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced that the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Donald
McKinnon, has accepted an invitation to visit Ottawa from April 30 to May 1, 2003.</p>
<p>"The role of the Commonwealth as a force for democracy, human rights and good governance--fundamental values
enshrined in the 1991 Harare Declaration--is as essential today as ever," said Minister Graham. "Secretary-General
McKinnon and I will meet to discuss pertinent issues facing the Commonwealth, including anti-terrorism efforts, the work
of the Secretary-General's special envoy to Cameroon, and human rights and good governance in Commonwealth countries
such as Zimbabwe."</p>
<p>During his visit, the Secretary-General will also meet with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to discuss the next Commonwealth
Heads of Government Meeting, to be held in Abuja, Nigeria, from December 5 to 8, 2003, and with Minister for
International Cooperation Susan Whelan.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Isabelle Savard</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</p>
<p>(613) 995-1851</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/20070222044955/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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