News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PM supports re-election of Abdou Diouf as Secretary General of La Francophonie

October 11, 2010
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced Canada's support for the re-election of Abdou Diouf as Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).

Encouraged by many members of the Organization to seek a third term, Abdou Diouf has indicated that he is willing to remain at the head of the OIF should the heads of state and government ask him to do so at the Montreux Francophonie Summit later this month.

"Secretary General Diouf has done an excellent job as the head of La Francophonie demonstrating an unwavering commitment to promoting the Organization's values the world over," said Prime Minister Harper. "Canada fully supports his re-election as Secretary General."

The main responsibilities of the Secretary General of La Francophonie are to guide the political and diplomatic activities of La Francophonie in the service of peace, democracy and human rights.

"I believe he is the right person to promote stability throughout La Francophonie and to deal with challenges related to democracy and good governance," the Prime Minister added.

Abdou Diouf, former president of the Republic of Senegal, has held the position of OIF Secretary General since 2003. He was re-elected for a second term at the Bucharest Summit in 2006, which will expire at the 13^th Francophonie Summit, to be held in Montreux, Switzerland, from October 22 to 24, 2010.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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