International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn today praised the economic stability promoted by the euro in its first decade, but also called for economic reforms—as well as a stronger European political voice—to maintain its success in the decades ahead.

“I am very pleased to welcome Ukraine as a new member. It is a significant step for the WTO as this new membership will strengthen the multilateral trading system. We will continue facilitating fuller integration into the world economy of other developing countries” said Director General Pascal Lamy.

Q Thank you so much, Mr. President, for this. First, I must congratulate you for your daughter's wedding. (Laughter.) And how does it feeling, being a father? I know you are listening to your Mom, I know you are a father, and you are having this wedding; how does it feel?

HE PRESIDENT: President Peres and Mr. Prime Minister, Madam Speaker, thank very much for hosting this special session. President Beinish, Leader of the Opposition Netanyahu, Ministers, members of the Knesset, distinguished guests: Shalom. Laura and I are thrilled to be back in Israel. We have been deeply moved by the celebrations of the past two days. And this afternoon, I am honored to stand before one of the world's great democratic assemblies and convey the wishes of the American people with these words: Yom Ha'atzmaut Sameach.

Our foreign policy is driven by our vision of an African continent, which is prosperous, peaceful, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and united, and which contributes to a world that is just and equitable and our mission is a commitment to promoting South Africa's national interests and values, the African Renaissance and the creation of a better world for all.

South Africa's engagement with the European Union is legally regulated through the Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA). In 2005, South Africa commenced a review of this instrument. That process is nearly complete and will be presented during the envisaged Summit with the European Union on 25 July 2008, in Nantes, France.

On 18 May 1998, this House approved the first GCIS Budget Vote and this pioneering department was formally launched. As we look back over the ten years, and as we realise that this government's term will be ending within the next year, we can reflect on our successes as a country; far reaching, unprecedented, deep-rooted, society-changing successes in which we in the executive, the legislative and the administrative branches of government can all take pride. We reflect on our success as a government not from a partisan point of view but inclusively, to ensure that the track record of this government is understood and recognised.

The Honourable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, and the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board of Canada, today announced that the new Office of the Procurement Ombudsman is up and running to help ensure fairness and transparency in federal government procurement.

The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today announced the appointment of Mr. Juergen Puetter as Chair of the Board of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).

Juergen Puetter is President and CEO of Aeolis Wind Power Corporation, a leading wind energy company with project experience in Western Canada.

"We're pleased to appoint Mr. Puetter as Board Chair to help guide the activities of SDTC," said Minister Lunn. "SDTC plays a key role in our government's efforts to support new Canadian technologies that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

"Our government is committed to taking real action on the environment," said Minister Baird. "By supporting the excellent work of SDTC, we're investing in Canadians' environmental future. I look forward to working with Mr. Puetter as he takes SDTC into the future."

Mr. Puetter will serve as Chair until December 10, 2012, fulfilling the five-year term of the late Mr. Stephen Probyn. The Government of Canada extends its condolences to the Probyn family and appreciates the great expertise Mr. Probyn brought to the position.

Export Development Canada (EDC) today provided its submission to the 2008 Legislative Review of the Export Development Act. The submission, Anticipating Needs, Delivering Results: EDC in an Evolving Trade Environment, articulates the importance of trade to Canada's prosperity and what Canadian exporters and investors need from EDC now and in the future.