*EPF304 11/06/2002
Text: Dobriansky Will Lead U.S. Delegation to Community of Democracies
(Powell unable to attend conference due to pressing matters) (260)

Secretary of State Colin Powell will not attend the Community of Democracies conference in Seoul November 10-12 because of pressing matters in Washington, including the passage of the UN Security Council Resolution on Iraq, the State Department announced November 6.

Spokesman Richard Boucher said in a statement that Powell has asked Under Secretary Paula Dobriansky to lead the U.S. delegation.

Following is the text of the statement:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
November 6, 2002

STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN

Under Secretary for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky to Attend
The Community of Democracies Ministerial

Secretary of State Powell called Korean Foreign Minister Choi yesterday evening to express his deepest regret that he will not be able to attend the Community of Democracies Ministerial as planned. Due to pressing matters, including the passage of the UN Security Council Resolution on Iraq, Secretary Powell must remain in Washington at this time.

Recognizing the value of gathering such a unique group of nations, Secretary Powell is disappointed not to have the opportunity to join his colleagues from those countries which have committed themselves to the protection and promotion of democracy worldwide. The Seoul Ministerial is an opportune occasion to reaffirm the principles expressed at the first Community of Democracies Ministerial and commit to put these principles into action to build a more secure and prosperous global community.

Secretary Powell expressed his thanks to the Korean Government for its leadership and hospitality in hosting the Ministerial and to the Korean non-governmental community for hosting the Forum that accompanies it. Secretary Powell has asked Under Secretary Paula Dobriansky to lead the U.S. delegation.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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