NEWS RELEASES
April 11, 2004 (3:30 p.m. EDT) No. 56
CANADA URGES IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF HOSTAGE IN IRAQ
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and Parliamentary Secretary with special emphasis
for Canadians abroad Dan McTeague today reiterated on behalf of the Government of
Canada that Fadi Ihsan Fadel, abducted in Iraq, is a Canadian citizen and called for his
immediate release.
"We are deeply concerned about Mr. Fadel and his well-being, and we call for his
immediate and safe release," said Minister Graham. "Canada condemns such
unprovoked acts against civilians, and we will do everything in our power to bring Mr.
Fadel home."
Mr. Fadel, a Damascus-born aid worker, is a Canadian citizen with a Canadian
passport. He is an employee of the non-governmental organization International
Rescue Committee and was engaged in humanitarian fieldwork at the time of his
abduction.
"We are in touch with Mr. Fadel's family and are making every effort to secure his safe
return home," Mr. McTeague added.
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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
Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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