NEWS RELEASES

March 2, 2004 (5:40 p.m. EST) No. 30

GRAHAM CONDEMNS ATTACKS IN IRAQ

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following statement after a series of deadly attacks in Baghdad and Karbala, killing more than 140 Shia pilgrims, during the commemoration of Ashoura:

"On behalf of all Canadians I extend my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones to these senseless acts of terror, and my sympathies to those who have been injured. It is particularly disturbing that these attacks have come in the midst of such an important religious festival.

"Canada condemns these attacks and hopes that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The recent escalation in violence, including the February 1 attacks on the headquarters of the two largest Kurdish political parties in Irbil, is appalling. As the deadline for the transition to sovereign Iraqi rule approaches, we condemn those who seek to derail the process. We urge that these events not lessen the resolve of those working to lay the foundations for a democratic and stable future. It is not the time for violence, but for all Iraqis to join together in the effort to rebuild their country."

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca