December 15, 2008
No. 245
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:
“The Government of Canada has been made aware of two Canadian citizens and a Niger national who have been reported missing in Niger. At this point, we can confirm that Ambassador Robert Fowler, the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations to Niger, and Louis Guay, a Canadian diplomat working for the UN in support of Ambassador Fowler, have been reported missing.
“I have spoken to senior UN officials today and I am following the situation closely. I am very concerned by the situation and want to assure family and friends of the missing Canadian diplomats, and all Canadians, that we will do everything we can to resolve the situation successfully.
“Canadian officials in the capital of Niger and other regional Canadian offices are actively engaged with local and UN officials and are pursuing all appropriate measures at this time.
“Consular officials are in contact with the families to provide assistance and support.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
