NEWS RELEASES

July 28, 2004 (3:00 p.m. EDT) No. 82

PETTIGREW CONDEMNS SUICIDE BOMBING ATTACK
IN BA'QUBA, IRAQ

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement after a suicide car bomb killed more than 68 people outside of a police station in Ba'quba, Iraq:

"Canada strongly condemns this horrific and senseless act of terror and hopes that the situation will soon be stabilized. This is one of several recent, deadly attacks targeting innocent Iraqis as they struggle to rebuild their country and its institutions. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones.

"Canada remains firmly committed to helping Iraq in its recovery and reconstruction. We welcomed the June 28 transfer of power to Iraqis, and have pledged to work closely alongside the sovereign interim Iraqi government, the UN and other international partners. We continue to encourage all parties in Iraq to stay the course toward future democratic elections."

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge

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