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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>August 12, 2005 </strong></span><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong><em>(6:20 p.m. EDT)</em><br>
No. 147</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: CENTER"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>MINISTER PETTIGREW CONDEMNS THE ASSASSINATION OF
SRI LANKAN FOREIGN MINISTER</strong></span></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement
condemning the assassination of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar:</p>
<p>"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.</p>
<p>"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."</p>
<p style="text-align: CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Sébastien Théberge<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs<br>
(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070220184408/http://www.international.gc.ca/">http://www.international.gc.ca</a></p>
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