(No. 12 - January 11, 2011 - 1:05 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement offering Canada's condolences to those affected by the recent hostage taking in Niger:
"On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I wish to offer my most sincere condolences to the families and friends of the two French citizens killed in the course of the hostage-taking incident in Niger. The hostage takers are responsible for this cowardly act that led to this tragic outcome.
"Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms all terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, which seek to create and perpetuate insecurity in the Sahel countries of West Africa.
"Canada calls on all states in the region, as well as the international community, to redouble their efforts in combatting the scourge of terrorism, which undermines the safety of each and every one of us."
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Lynn Meahan
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
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