NEWS RELEASES

November 18, 2005 (3:55 p.m. EST)
No. 225

MINISTER PETTIGREW CONDEMNS BOMBINGS IN IRAQ

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew issued the following statement condemning today’s bombings in Iraq:

“I join all Canadians in offering our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of today’s suicide bombings in Iraq. These attacks on Shia mosques during Friday prayers targeted innocent Iraqis in a place and time meant for peace and contemplation. Canada condemns these acts of hatred and cowardice.

“The perpetrators of today’s bombings were trying to destabilize Iraq’s political process and create further sectarian strife. Canada encourages all Iraqis to remain resilient and unified in their efforts to create a stable and democratic Iraq. We stand with Iraqis to decry these acts of terror and attempts at provocation, and remain fully committed to assisting with the reconstruction of Iraq.”

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

James Christoff
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca