August 15, 2005

Prime Minister Paul Martin today issued the following statement on the death of Canadian citizen Zaid Meerwali, who was killed by his captors after being kidnapped on August 2, 2005, in Iraq:

“I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Meerwali on the loss of their loved one. It is with both profound sadness and abhorrence that I learned of the circumstances of his death. Canada vehemently condemns this barbaric crime, and remains committed to working both bilaterally and multilaterally to help build a prosperous and peaceful democracy in Iraq.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to remind Canadians at this time against all travel to Iraq. Any Canadians in Iraq should leave. The situation remains volatile and the Government of Canada cannot provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens in distress.”


For more information on the Government’s position on travel to Iraq, please visit: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=133000