August 12, 2005 (6:20 p.m. EDT)
No. 147

MINISTER PETTIGREW CONDEMNS THE ASSASSINATION OF SRI LANKAN FOREIGN MINISTER

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement condemning the assassination of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar:

"I am shocked and saddened to learn of the assassination of Foreign Minister Kadirgamar. This is an unconscionable act committed against a member of the Sri Lankan government. On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and all Sri Lankans.

"Mr. Kadirgamar worked tirelessly for a lasting resolution to Sri Lanka's fragile peace process, and this act should not be allowed to derail those efforts. Canada urges restraint by all parties. The perpetrators of this terrible act must be brought to justice."

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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