MEDIA RELEASE

AXWORTHY ADMITS HE VETOED PANKIW

Ottawa, February 2, 1998... Reform MP Dr. Jim Pankiw released a letter
today wherein the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lloyd Axworthy, admits
that it was his decision to deny Pankiw's request to attend the UN
Firearm Workshop in Brazil. Axworthy's letter of January 27 contradicts
previous correspondence on the matter.

Last November, Pankiw wrote to Axworthy requesting observer status at
the UN Firearm Workshop in Brazil. Axworthy responded by saying that
attendance was limited to "government experts" as per UN resolution
1996/28.

However, after reviewing the resolution, Pankiw could find nothing that
would prohibit him from attending and requested clarification from
Axworthy. The Minister responded by writing that he "...exercised [his]
responsibility in appointing the Canadian delegation."

"First, Axworthy said I couldn't attend because of a particular UN
resolution. Now he says I couldn't attend because he didn't want me
there. Not only did the Minister flip-flop on why I couldn't attend,
but his letter makes the bizarre recommendation that I join a special
interest group if I'm interested in these meetings. It's shameful that
the Liberals would place special interest groups ahead of the elected
representatives of the Canadian people," Pankiw stated.

"We should all be concerned about the lack of transparency in this
process. Law-abiding gun owners are concerned about what the Liberals
are discussing and committing to behind closed doors. Conversely,
Reform's position on gun control is crystal clear. We are committed to
the repeal of Bill C-68 and we would crack-down on firearm smuggling
and crime," Pankiw concluded.


For further information contact:
Dr. Jim Pankiw, MP
1-613-992-8052