Prime Minister Welcomes Appointment of Louise Frechette as New UN Deputy Secretary General

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today welcomed the appointment of Louise Frechette to the newly-created position of Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.

"The creation of the Deputy Secretary General position is good for the UN. And Canada is proud that the first person to hold it will be an outstanding Canadian public servant, " said the Prime Minister. "Louise Frechette is an experienced diplomat and an effective administrator who understands the UN system and the issues it faces. As Canadian Ambassador to the UN from 1992 to 1994 she skilfully represented Canada's interests. Her knowledge and ability will greatly assist her as she works with the Secretary General on vital institutional and organizational reforms."

Madame Frechette's appointment was announced earlier today by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. The position of Deputy Secretary General is a new one which is being established as part of the package of reforms Mr. Annan has begun to implement.

Madame Frechette joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 1971. Since June 1995 she has held the position of Deputy Minister of the Department of National Defence.

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555


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