NEWS RELEASES

May 9, 2004 (1:50 p.m. EDT) No. 68

GRAHAM CONDEMNS KILLING OF CHECHEN PRESIDENT

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham deplored the bombing in Grozny which killed Chechnya's leader Akhmad Kadyrov and at least 13 others.

"Canada condemns today's terrorist attack that took place on Victory Day, marring the occasion on which Russians remember the millions of their countrymen and women who died during the Second World War," said Minister Graham. "Canadians join me in expressing our condolences to the families of the victims, and hope that the perpetrators of this violent act will be brought to justice. On this sad occasion, we reiterate our resolve to enhance our work with Russia and the rest of the international community in the fight against terrorism."

In his message of sympathy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Paul Martin said "this terrorist act is a tragic reminder of the continuing level of violence that faces the world today, of which the Russian Federation has borne a significant share." The Prime Minister also expressed his confidence that political efforts towards lasting peace and stability in Chechnya will continue.

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