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<title>CANADA CONDEMNS BOMBING OF UN HEADQUARTERS IN IRAQ</title>
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<p><font face="Arial Gras" size="+1">August 19, 2003 <em>(8 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 115</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial Gras" size="+1">CANADA CONDEMNS BOMBING OF UN HEADQUARTERS IN IRAQ</font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and Minister for International Cooperation</p>
<p>Susan Whelan today condemned the bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, which has resulted in the
death of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello and the death and injury of many
others, including Canadian Christopher Klein-Beekman. </p>
<p>"I am outraged at this unprovoked and senseless attack on the UN and deeply saddened by the loss of so many innocent,
committed people who had dedicated their lives to helping others, even in such dangerous and difficult circumstances," said
Minister Graham.</p>
<p>The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq has been working on behalf of the international community to help the population of
Iraq rebuild their society.</p>
<p>"Canada strongly supports the work of the UN and the international community in Iraq in their efforts to address the urgent
needs of Iraqi civilians," added Minister Graham. "We join with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in expressing Canada's
hope that the perpetrators of this despicable act will be found and brought to justice. The UN is our common global
instrument for building peace, meeting the needs of the most vulnerable, and giving hope to people suffering around the
world. Today's attack against UN staff in Baghdad is an attack upon all of us who are dedicated to these ideals."</p>
<p>Minister Graham offered his condolences to the families of the victims, and praised the dedication of the UN team in
Baghdad under extremely difficult circumstances. In this regard, he recognized the strong leadership of Sergio Vieira de
Mello, whose contribution to the UN Assistance Mission to Iraq has been critical. </p>
<p>"Sergio Vieira de Mello was a truly remarkable servant of the international community who will be remembered for his
tireless work in support of peace, reconciliation and human rights," said Minister Graham. "He was a man dedicated to
improving the lives of people in Iraq and around the world. The sadness and deep loss that Canadians feel will be widely
shared as we pause to reflect on his achievements, both as the Secretary General's Special Representative in Iraq and UN
High Commissioner for Human Rights. He will be missed, not only as an outstanding international public servant, but also
as a cherished colleague."</p>
<p>"I must condemn in the strongest terms this attack on the UN Mission which is one of peace and reconstruction," said
Minister Whelan. "This may be a set back for the UN Mission, however, this attack will not prevent the UN, the
international community and Canada from addressing the urgent needs of the Iraqi people."</p>
<p>As this release is being issued, the UN has confirmed that the UNICEF Programme Coordinator in Iraq, Mr. Christopher
Klein-Beekman, age 32, a Canadian national, was killed when the blast tore through the main UN facility in Baghdad.
Canadian officials have also been informed by the UN that three Canadians were working in the UN building at the time of
the explosion. Two suffered minor injuries that did not require hospitalization and the other received minor injuries and is
being treated in hospital.</p>
<p>"Christopher Klein-Beekman's life and work to alleviate the suffering of children in Iraq, Kosovo, and Ethiopia exemplifies
the best of what Canada and Canadians offer to the world," said Minister Graham. "I join his colleagues at UNICEF and
with all Canadians in offering my deepest condolences to his wife and family."</p>
<p>The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade remains in close communication with the UN to determine and
confirm more detailed information about today's attack. We will continue to report on developments. </p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Isabelle Savard</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</p>
<p>(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221182851/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
<p>Marta Anderson</p>
<p>Press Secretary<br>
Office of the Minister for International Cooperation<br>
Telephone: (819)<strong><em> </em></strong><em></em>953-6238<br>
<br>
Media Relations Office<br>
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)<br>
Telephone: (819)<em> </em>953-6534<br>
E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca<font color="#0000ff"><u></u></font></p>
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