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<title>KILGOUR MEETS WITH NEW PRESIDENT JOSEPH KABILA</title>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>February 2, 2001 <em>(7:40 p.m. EST)</em> No. 14</strong></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>KILGOUR MEETS WITH NEW PRESIDENT JOSEPH KABILA</strong></font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour today met with the new President of the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila, in New York. The aim of the meeting was to reaffirm Canada's
support for the peace process founded on the Lusaka Agreement and the pertinent UN Security Council
resolutions, including Resolution 1304 which calls for the withdrawal of foreign troops.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"We are pleased that the transition took place in an atmosphere of calm," said Mr. Kilgour. "We offer the new
President our support, while being mindful of the challenges he will face in restoring peace to his country."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Canada is prepared to work in tandem with the DRC to encourage the emergence of the Inter-Congolese
Dialogue, which Canada supports financially through the facilitation office in Kinshasa. Canada will continue its
co-operation with the DRC in a number of fields, including support for the Congolese population in the areas of
health and food security, and support for the Central Bank of Congo. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Government of Canada noted with great interest that, in his inaugural address, President Kabila stressed
the importance of implementing the Lusaka Agreement and of restoring peace and democracy to his country.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
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<p><font face="Arial">Tasha Stefanis</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Secretary of State </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(Latin America and Africa)</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 944-2162</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
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