OTTAWA, December 15, 2004 -- The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, today announced that he will be undertaking an official visit to Egypt, Israel, the West Bank and Jordan from December 18 to December 23, 2004. Minister Cotler will be accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Paul Macklin. "This visit will be an opportunity to engage in a dialogue with my counterparts on matters that are of global concern to us all," said Minister Cotler. "During my visit, I intend to discuss justice issues that are not just Canadian priorities, but are of importance internationally as well. These issues include security and human rights, promoting constitutionalism and democracy, protecting the most vulnerable, combating racism and hatred, and helping to build an international justice system." While in the Middle East, the Minister will visit Cairo, Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Amman. At each stop, Minister Cotler is expected to meet with Justice Ministers, Attorneys General, Speakers of Parliament, other government ministers, and Chief Justices as well as judicial and legal experts, in order to examine justice issues of common concern, build on existing international relationships and explore possible collaboration in further developing democracy and the rule of law globally. The Minister will give speeches at the American University in Cairo and Bar Ilan University in Tel Aviv. Minister Cotler will also inaugurate the Sir Isaiah Berlin Lecture at the Yakar Center for Social Concern in Jerusalem. - 30 - Ref.: Denise Rudnicki Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Justice (613) 992-4621
