NEWS RELEASES

January 7, 2006 (5:30 p.m. EST)
No. 1

STATEMENT BY MINISTER PETTIGREW ON DEATH OF THE UN COMMANDER IN HAITI

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement regarding the death of General Urano Teixeira da Matta Bacellar, Force Commander of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH):

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the tragic death of General Bacellar this morning. On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, and to the people of Brazil.

“This tragedy is all the more unfortunate given General Bacellar’s role in helping to bring stability and security to Haiti. His contribution to this complex and important effort will be well remembered.

“This morning, I spoke to Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim and reassured him of Canada’s support in dealing with the challenges posed by this situation at this particularly difficult time in Haiti.

“Canada remains fully committed to supporting the work of MINUSTAH and the electoral process in Haiti.”

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Kim Furlong
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca