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<title>CANADA JOINS INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR DEMOCRACY AND ELECTORAL ASSISTANCE</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">January 23, 1998 No. 20</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CANADA JOINS INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">FOR DEMOCRACY AND ELECTORAL ASSISTANCE</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Diane Marleau, Minister for
International Co-operation and Minister responsible for la Francophonie, today
announced Canada's membership to the International Institute for Democracy and
Electoral Assistance (IDEA). The announcement was made during a visit to Ottawa
by the Secretary-General of International IDEA, Mr. Bengt </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Säve-Söderbergh.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Based in Stockholm, Sweden, IDEA was founded in March 1995 to promote and
advance democracy worldwide and thereby improve and consolidate electoral
processes. It brings together governments and non-governmental organizations
(NGOs)in the only international organization devoted exclusively to
democratization.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"IDEA has proven itself to be a credible and effective organization, with a
unique ability to combine research with practical assistance. Joining IDEA
provides Canada with a valuable opportunity for building coalitions with other
countries to co-ordinate our activities in support of democratic development and
electoral assistance," said Mr. Axworthy.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada's involvement with IDEA highlights the importance we place on building
alliances," said Madame Marleau. "It will also enhance our role as a member of
the global network encouraging electoral and democratic development and, in the
process, will help support activities to prevent and resolve conflicts in
troubled corners of the world."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Other member countries, international organizations, and international NGOs
include Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark,
Finland, India, Namibia, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain
and Sweden, as well as the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights, the
International Federation of Journalists, the International Press Institute, and
Parliamentarians for Global Action. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">A co-operative agreement has also been reached with the United Nations
Development Program, the International Commission of Jurists, and the
International Parliamentary Union.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Canada will be providing IDEA with a voluntary contribution of $150,000 for the
fiscal year 1997-98 and $300,000 for each of the next two fiscal years. Funds for
the contribution will be shared by the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and
the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This contribution was provided for in the February 1997 federal budget and is
therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">-30-</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Debora Brown André Doren</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister Office of the Minister</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">of Foreign Affairs for International Co-operation</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851 and Minister responsible</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">for la Francophonie</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> (819) 997-6919</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs The Canadian International</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">and International Trade Development Agency</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874 (819)953-6534</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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