January 15, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Paul Martin issued the following statement on the news that Glyn Berry of the Canadian Foreign Service was tragically killed, and three Canadian soldiers wounded, earlier today in a terrorist attack in Kandahar, Afghanistan:

“On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Glyn Berry. Mr. Berry, Political Director from Foreign Affairs Canada to the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar, Afghanistan, lost his life today in a terrorist attack in Kandahar. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“Mr. Berry had a long and distinguished career of service to Canadians at home and abroad. Prior to his assignment to Afghanistan, Mr. Berry had most recently served at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. His loss touches us all.

“I join all Canadians in also wishing Private William Edward Salikin, Corporal Jeffrey Bailey and Master Corporal Paul Franklin, the three Canadian soldiers who were injured, a speedy and complete recovery.

“The work these individuals were doing in Afghanistan is of paramount importance to Canada and to the international community as a whole. They responded to their country’s call to work with the Afghan people in rebuilding their country. Their duties, while fraught with risk and danger, were of the most noble kind. We will continue our work in Afghanistan, knowing that Mr. Berry gave his life for the pursuit of peace and stability.”