NEWS RELEASES

May 17, 2004 (2:20 p.m. EDT) No. 71

GRAHAM CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION OF HEAD OF IRAQI GOVERNING COUNCIL

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following statement after a suicide car bomb killed several Iraqis, including the head of the Iraqi Governing Council, Ezzedine Salim (also known as Abdel-Zahraa Othman), in central Baghdad:

"Canada deplores this brutal terrorist attack and hopes that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. On behalf of all Canadians, I express my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones in this senseless and violent act.

"As Iraq approaches the transition to sovereign rule, we condemn those who seek to derail the process. This attack will not stop the return of authority to the Iraqi people, and it must not weaken the resolve of those working to establish a democratic and stable future for Iraq. It is time for all Iraqis to join together in the effort to rebuild their country.

"Canada remains committed to doing its part to assist in the reconstruction effort."

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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