November 6, 2007 (5:40 p.m. EST)
No. 155

CANADA CONDEMNS COWARDLY ATTACK ON AFGHAN PARLIAMENTARIANS

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the attack against Afghan parliamentarians:

“Canada strongly condemns the attack against Afghan parliamentarians and civilians in northern Afghanistan. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express my deep condolences to the victims and their families, and to the Afghan people.

“This heinous attack is a deliberate assault on democracy. Members of Afghanistan’s parliament are central to advancing the interests of their people and providing them a voice in governing their country. By targeting members of the Afghan Parliament, these terrorists were seeking to undermine Afghan development. Their utter disregard for the schoolchildren and other innocent civilians gathered to greet the Afghan parliamentary delegation is reprehensible. This deplorable attempt to hinder Afghanistan’s progress only strengthens our resolve.

“Canada remains unequivocally committed to supporting Afghanistan and its democratically elected government.”

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca