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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">December 6, 2005 <i>(1:40 p.m. EST)</i><br>
No. 242<span> </span></span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">GOVERNMENT OF CANADA STATEMENT ON IRAQ HOSTAGES</span></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">The Government of Canada today made the following statement concerning the two
Canadians held hostage in Iraq:<span> </span></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Two Canadians—James Loney and Harmeet Sooden—are among the four foreigners
taken hostage in Iraq on Saturday, November 26, 2005. </span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">As the Prime Minister has indicated, the federal government’s first priority is the safety
and security of its citizens, and Canada is doing everything possible to secure the safe
release of the hostages.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">We are working urgently and closely with the Iraqi, U.K. and U.S. governments, both in
capitals and on the ground in Baghdad.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">As highlighted in statements made by prominent clerics and non-governmental
organizations, the hostages—all affiliated with Christian Peacemaker Teams—were
providing humanitarian support to the people of Iraq. </span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">The hostage-takers are responsible for the safety and well-being of the hostages. We
call for their safe release. </span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Canada remains willing to listen to and speak with persons who may have information
that will assist in the safe release of the hostages. </span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">- 30 -</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">For further information, media representatives may contact:</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
</span></span><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070220185441/http://www.international.gc.ca/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.international.gc.ca</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #000000"></span></span></span></p>
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