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Statement by the Prime Minister
April 15, 1997
Ottawa, Ontario
On behalf of the Government and people of Canada, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien
today extended his sympathy and condolences to His Majesty King Fahd bin
Abd al- Aziz Al Saud on learning of the tragic fire in Mina, Saudi Arabia,
which claimed the lives of more than 180 people and injured more than 800
others.
"The pilgrimage to Makkah is one of the greatest events in any Muslim's
life. Canadians, many of whom attend this solemn rite each year, share
in the sorrow of the families of the victims of this tragedy," the Prime
Minister said.
The Prime Minister also commended the actions of the Civil Defence Authorities
of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to contain the fire and save many other
pilgrims from harm.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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