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<title>MARCHI ISSUES STATEMENT ON MAI TALKS</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">April 16, 1998 No. 92</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">MARCHI ISSUES STATEMENT ON MAI TALKS</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi stressed again today that Canada is
not bound to any artificial deadline for the negotiations on a Multilateral
Agreement on Investment (MAI). </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"The Government has said repeatedly that it will only sign the right deal at the
right time," Mr. Marchi said, restating the Canadian position following a
Wednesday news report that misinterpreted the Minister's comment that "Canada's
position is to not agree to another deadline."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This means that we will not be rushed into a deal," Mr. Marchi added. "We will
not sign an MAI unless it safeguards our vital interests and values."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The MAI negotiations, which are being conducted under the auspices of the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), were to conclude
at the end of April. It is now clear that this OECD target date will not be met.</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">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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