
02 March 1998
TEXT: SECRETARY OF STATE'S TRIP TO EUROPE ON IRAQI SITUATION
(Maintaining close relationships with European allies) (530) Washington -- Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright will travel to Ukraine, Italy, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Canada, departing from Washington on Thursday, March 5, the State Department announced March 2. "The twofold purpose of her trip," Spokesman James Rubin said, "will be to maintain close relationships with some of our strongest European allies, especially in light of diplomatic developments in Iraq, and to nurture our relationship with Ukraine." The Secretary is scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday afternoon, March 10. Following is the State Department text: (begin text) U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman March 2, 1998 STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright will travel to Ukraine, Italy, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Canada, departing from Washington on Thursday, March 5. The twofold purpose of her trip will be to maintain close relationships with some of our strongest European allies, especially in light of diplomatic developments in Iraq, and to nurture our relationship with Ukraine. Secretary Albright will make her first trip to Ukraine as Secretary of State on March 6 to demonstrate U.S. concern for market reform, democratization and Ukraine's place in the new Europe. During her visit to Kiev, she will meet with President Kuchma. Their discussions will focus on non-proliferation concerns and the business and investment climate in Ukraine. From Ukraine, Secretary Albright will travel to Rome, Italy for meetings on Saturday, March 7 with Prime Minister Prodi and Foreign Minister Dini, encouraging continued cooperation in areas of mutual concern, such as the Balkans, NATO, Iran, Iraq and the Middle East Peace Process. Secretary Albright will also visit the Holy See to meet with Pope John Paul II, the Vatican Secretary of State Sodano, Foreign Minister Tauran and Sant'Egidio founder Riccardi. Her meetings with Vatican officials will focus on common interests in promoting peace and reconciliation in the Balkans and the Middle East, human rights and democratization in Cuba, and the plight of refugees worldwide. On Sunday, March 8, the Secretary will travel to Germany and France. In Bonn, Secretary Albright will meet with Foreign Minister Kinkel. The Secretary will then travel to Paris to meet with Foreign Minister Vedrine. Later on Sunday she will travel to London, and she will see British Foreign Minister Cook on Monday, March 9. Discussions will focus on Iraq, as we continue to work with our allies and UN Security Council colleagues to ensure that any agreement between the Security Council and Baghdad makes clear that Saddam Hussein will not be able to flout UNSC resolutions with impunity. From Europe, Secretary Albright will travel to Ottawa, Canada for an official visit from March 9 to 10, in response to Canadian Foreign Minister Axworthy's invitation. The Secretary, the Foreign Minister and Prime Minister Chretien plan to address the range of important bilateral issues as well as our international partnership. Topics of discussion will include Pacific salmon, environmental cooperation and border issues. The Secretary is scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday afternoon, March 10. (end text)
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