Canada's PM starts African tour in Morocco


RABAT, April 2 (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien began a
seven-nation tour of Africa in Morocco on Tuesday, aimed at promoting the
West's view that financial aid could be the reward for good governance and
democracy.

The Canadian leader was received by King Mohammed at the royal palace in the
southern city of Agadir, 600 km (370 miles) south of Rabat, a government
official said. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Mohamed Benaissa.

Chretien, who will spend 48 hours in Morocco, will hold talks with Prime
Minister Abderrahmane El Youssoufi on Wednesday in Rabat, the Communications
Ministry official said.

"The talks will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and issues
related to the economic situation in Africa in general," he said.

Chretien's tour, which will also take him to Algeria, Nigeria, South Africa,
Mozambique, Ethiopia and Senegal, is expected to lay the ground for a June
summit of the Group of Eight leading industrial nations that Canada will
host.

At the G8 summit, leaders will unveil an African action plan to respond to an
African-led initiative called the New Partnership for African Development
(NEPAD).

Canadian officials in Ottawa said Chretien would stress that Western nations
wanted to see respect for human rights and good governance before releasing
major aid to African nations.

"There will be reward and the intent is to suggest that if you believe you're
not among those (nations), you have to make the necessary changes so that you
make the short list of those who will get beneficial treatment," an official
told a briefing.

Chretien is expected to travel to Algeria on Thursday.

12:54 04-02-02

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