NEWS RELEASES

September 14, 2005 (11:00 a.m. EDT)
No. 164

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND MR. BHUPINDER S. LIDDAR

Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierre Pettigrew and Mr. Bhupinder S. Liddar issued today the following statements upon the release of the Security and Intelligence Review Committee’s (SIRC) report on his security clearance:

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to take this opportunity to express our sincere regret for the impact the delays related to Mr. Liddar’s diplomatic appointment have had on him both personally and professionally,” said Mr. Pettigrew. “With Mr. Liddar’s consent, I also wish to confirm publicly that the government has granted him a top secret security clearance based upon the recommendations of Canada’s Security and Intelligence Review Committee.”

“I am pleased that the Minister and the government have expressed regret over the delay in making my appointment and delighted that the government has issued a security clearance to me,” said Mr. Liddar. “I am also pleased with the SIRC decision and look forward to serving Canada.”

The government and Mr. Liddar are in discussions regarding his diplomatic appointment, which will conclude in the near future, and have no further comments to make about this matter at this time.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851