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Statement by the Prime Minister
October 27, 1999
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today issued the following statement, following news of the assassination of Armenian Prime Minister Vazgen Sarkisian, members of his government and of the Armenian Parliament:
"I am shocked and outraged by the news of the death of Prime Minister Sarkisian and other Armenian leaders at the hands of gunmen who opened fire in the Armenian Parliament. This cowardly attack on legislators as they conducted their nation's business must be condemned by all peaceful, civilized people in the strongest terms.
Our hopes and prayers are with President Kocharian as he attempts to negotiate the safe release of the many hostages still inside the parliament building in Yerevan. On behalf of the people of Canada, Aline and I extend our condolences to the people and government of Armenia, and particularly to the family and friends of the victims."
The Prime Minister expressed his hope that at this time of great loss, Armenia would not be deterred from pursuing a path toward peace in the region.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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