November 25, 2004 No. 138 Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierre Pettigrew today welcomed the signing of the Dar es Salaam Declaration on Peace, Security, Democracy and Development in the Great Lakes Region. The Declaration represents a common vision for working toward sustainable peace in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. “We maintain our commitment to assist the countries of the International Conference on Peace, Security, Democracy and Development in the Great Lakes Region, who are looking for solutions to break out of the cycle of violence and poverty, and to foster the social and economic recovery of the region and its peoples,” said Minister Pettigrew. Senator Peter Stollery represented Canada, Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of the Great Lakes Region, at the First Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. The Conference took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on November 19 and 20, 2004. Established at the initiative of Canada in December 2003, the Group of 28 countries and 10 international organizations and specialized agencies has since been co-chaired by Canada and the Netherlands. Its mandate is to provide political, diplomatic, technical and financial support to the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. The Group of Friends has funded the national and regional consultations involving officials and representatives of civil society in each country of the Conference. These consultations have culminated in the Dar es Salaam Declaration just adopted by the regional leaders. - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.international.gc.ca
