NEWS RELEASES

February 22, 2006 (6:50 p.m. EST)
No. 14

STATEMENT BY MINISTER MACKAY ON ATTACK ON IRAQI MOSQUE

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay today made the following statement on the explosion that destroyed the golden dome of the al Askariya shrine on Wednesday in Samarra, Iraq:

“The Government of Canada vigorously condemns this attack on one of Iraq’s most sacred religious shrines. This act is clearly meant to inflame sectarian tensions and to derail democratic development in Iraq. We also condemn vengeful reactions to this attack.  

“It is critical that all those working toward a united and democratic Iraq join efforts to stop and isolate those responsible for such attacks. We urge Iraqi leaders to foster security and stability through the formation of an inclusive government and by building up national security forces representing all Iraqis. Canada will continue to support efforts to establish a stable and democratic Iraq through our reconstruction assistance program.”

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