CANADA WELCOMES LIBYAN DECISION TO ABANDON WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION PROGRAM

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December 20, 2003Canada today welcomed the decision by the Government of Libya to dismantle its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program, and to allow international weapons inspectors to enter Libya to verify the destruction of all substances, equipment and programs relating to them. Canada also welcomes Libya's decision to sign on to the Chemical Weapons Convention, and to negotiate an additional protocol granting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) wider powers of inspection over nuclear facilities. Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham applauded the critical role played by the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom in the decision by the Government of Libya. "What they have achieved together marks a significant step forward for global non-proliferation and disarmament, and sets an important example for other states to follow.""This is very good news, and constitutes an important step toward Libya's full reintegration into the international community," Minister Graham added. "Canada looks forward to continuing to enhance its relationship with Libya as this process is implemented."Canada has long supported the strengthening of the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation regime through the promotion of WMD treaties and their implementing agencies, and through strong national export controls on sensitive materials and technologies. Canada has also made a major financial contribution to non-proliferation and disarmament efforts through the G-8's Global Partnership Initiative, and has strongly supported regional disarmament in the Middle East.- 30 -For further information, media representatives may contact:Isabelle SavardDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Foreign Affairs(613) 995-1851Media Relations OfficeDepartment of Foreign Affairs and International Trade(613) 995-1874http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

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2016-12-15

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CANADA WELCOMES LIBYAN DECISION TO ABANDON WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION PROGRAM

News Release

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