June 20, 2008
No. 142
The Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade released the following statement, delivered earlier today by Elissa Golberg, the Representative of Canada in Kandahar, on the Sarpoza Prison attack:
"One week ago today, insurgents conducted an attack on Sarpoza Prison, in Kandahar City. A number of Afghan corrections officials were killed, and more were injured. Political prisoners as well as criminals were released, and there was significant damage to the exterior wall and to the prison itself. The front gates were destroyed entirely.
"Reports of there being two breaches are incorrect-there was one breach at the front of the prison, though it was of a tremendous scale.
"Canada has contributed to both infrastructure and training at this facility. We will continue to do so, in keeping with the Government of Canada's priorities for Afghanistan announced by Minister Emerson on June 10th. As a result of last week's attack, we all have more work to do. Our team, and our Afghan colleagues, understand this, and we are working to ensure that what was damaged within the facility is rebuilt as quickly as possible.
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I signed a letter on Wednesday confirming Canada's intent to rebuild the wall around Sarpoza Prison. Construction of a temporary wall began yesterday, and it will be complete within the next five days. As to the broader, more permanent repairs that are required, we will work with Afghan officials to undertake the necessary reconstruction work as quickly and as effectively as possible.
"On the Canadian side, we are working closely with Canadian civilian police, Canadian Forces engineers, Correctional Service of Canada officials, and representatives of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and together with Afghan officials we will rebuild a gate that conforms to international standards, and one that will more effectively prevent the kinds of unfortunate events that happened last week. We are also working with the surrounding community to ensure that they can live and work in this neighbourhood and feel it is safe to do so.
"Throughout the week, we've been speaking with Afghan leaders, including the Provincial Council and the Governor. They've asked that we-Canadians and others within the international community-continue to work with Afghan national security forces and Afghan leaders to ensure that the people of Kandahar City, and surrounding districts, feel safe and secure in their homes.
"Slowly, the streets of Kandahar City are coming back to life. On Monday, when I was out, many stores were closed, and the streets had fewer cars than usual. Yesterday, I was stuck in a traffic jam in Kandahar City, and, strangely, I was happy about it. There are more troops and more police within the city now, from both the Afghan National Security Forces and NATO. The community's sense of stability and confidence is growing. People here know, as I do, that there will be ups and downs to this effort. They are prepared for that."
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613-992-7332
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
