NEWS RELEASES

August 17, 2005 (3:45 p.m. EDT)
No. 150

MINISTER PETTIGREW CONDEMNS BAGHDAD BOMBING

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement:

“Canada strongly condemns today’s attack in Baghdad, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including members of emergency response services sent to aid the wounded. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims at this time.

“It is clear that the perpetrators of this immoral attack act without conscience, with the sole objective of preventing the establishment of a peaceful and democratic Iraq.

“The timing of the attack suggests that the insurgents are bent on disrupting the constitutional negotiations currently underway. However, Iraqis have repeatedly risen above this kind of barbarism to move forward with democratic change. Canada remains fully committed to assisting with the reconstruction of Iraq, and commends the resilience of all Iraqis dedicated to establishing meaningful political institutions.”

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge
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