December 18, 1996 No. 252

MINISTER AXWORTHY ACKNOWLEDGES CANADIAN ROLE

IN HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lloyd Axworthy this evening confirmed that Canada's Ambassador to Peru, Anthony Vincent, together with three other diplomats, has accepted the dangerous responsibility of attempting to bring about a peaceful conclusion to the ongoing hostage crisis in Lima.

The crisis began when hostages, including members of the Peruvian government, the diplomatic corps and the business and aid communities, were seized at gunpoint by the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA), which attacked the residence of the Japanese Ambassador during a reception on Tuesday evening. While nearly two hundred hostages, mostly women and the elderly, were subsequently released, several hundred hostages still remain.

"I sincerely hope that the courageous action these four diplomats have accepted to take will provide hope for a quick and constructive end to the crisis," said the Minister. "Canada sees this development as a sign that the terrorists are considering non-violent measures and that this may facilitate a negotiated solution."

Canada's Ambassador heads a diplomatic delegation that includes the Ambassadors of Germany and Greece, as well as the French Cultural Attaché. The delegation was formed earlier this evening by the MRTA to convey messages between the hostage takers and the Peruvian authorities. It has already met with Peru's official mediator in the crisis, Minister of Education Domingo Palermo Cabrejos, to transmit a letter containing the MRTA's demands. The delegation was then expected to call on Prime Minister Pandolfi and President Fujimori and finally to visit imprisoned MRTA leader Victor Polay before reporting back to the MRTA at the Japanese residence.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Catherine Lappe

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 of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca