July 07, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario

It is with great sadness and regret that I learned of the death of Austrian President Thomas Klestil. He was a progressive leader and a consummate diplomat, who steered Austria at a crucial period in its history as it became a full member of the European Union and reassumed its role in the heart of a united Europe.

The heartfelt sympathy of Canadians goes out to the Austrian community in Canada, to President Klestil’s family and to all the citizens of Austria.