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Statement by the Prime Minister on Cyprus airlift19 July 2006
Paris, France
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on evacuating Canadian citizens from Lebanon: “As you all know, an evacuation of thousands of citizens from a distant land is a challenging undertaking. A challenge being faced many nations at the same time. “Canadian officials – in the region and back home in Ottawa – are working around the clock with our allies to secure the safe passage of all Canadians who wish to leave Lebanon. “I am pleased to report that an evacuation ship chartered by Canada arrived in Beirut earlier today and is taking on passengers at this moment. That ship is expected to make its way to Cyprus tonight. “More ships will be on their way in the coming hours, and we are going to keep sending ships to help those Canadians who wish to leave Lebanon. Getting people out of Lebanon is only the first step in the evacuation plan. “Once in a safe haven, citizens who wish to return have been secured air travel back to Canada. “As you know, I was originally scheduled to return to Ottawa from Paris tonight. “Because of the seriousness of the situation – and our relative proximity to Cyprus – I have decided to take the Canadian forces aircraft we have been traveling on to help airlift evacuees back home. “The aircraft will be stripped down to only a skeleton staff, including Laureen and myself, to free up the maximum number of seats for evacuees. “This action – in and of itself – will not resolve the many challenges faced by the tens of thousands of Canadians who may want to leave Lebanon; but it allows us to do what we can, with what we have to ensure the safe and secure return of Canadians.” * * * * * Consult the Government of Canada Web Site on the situation in the Middle East Related Items16 August 2006 Articles - Backgrounder: Canadian assistance to Lebanon 16 August 2006 News Releases - Prime Minister announces new Lebanon Relief Fund 20 July 2006 Notices - Public events for July 20, 2006 19 July 2006 Audio Vault - Prime Minister Harper travels to Cyprus |
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Last Updated: 2006-08-22 | ![]() |
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