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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">February 8, 2006 <i>(10:30 a.m. EST)</i><br>
No. 8</span></span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold"> STATEMENT BY MINISTER MACKAY ON REACTION TO
CARICATURES OF PROPHET MOHAMMED</span></span></span></p>
<br>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><p>Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay today issued the following statement:</span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">“The publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed has caused offence to Muslims
and non-Muslims around the world and in Canada.</span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">“Freedom of expression is a legally enshrined principle in Canada, but it must be
exercised responsibly. We commend those Canadians who have acted appropriately.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span> </span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">“However, we condemn the violent protests that have occurred in some parts of the
world, and find the attacks on foreign diplomatic missions particularly deplorable. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span> </span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">“This sensitive issue highlights the need for a better understanding of Islam and of
Muslim communities. Respect for cultural diversity and freedom of religion is a
fundamental principle in Canada. The Government of Canada will continue to promote
a better understanding of Islam internationally, in partnership with Muslim communities.”</span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">- 30 -</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">For further information, media representatives may contact:</span></span></p>
<br>
<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/20070221012728/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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