20 September 2011
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement after learning of the assassination of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who was the current leader of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council:
“Canada strongly condemns the cowardly and brutal assassination of former President Burhanuddin Rabbani.
“As leader of the Afghanistan High Peace Council and former president of his country, Mr. Rabbani worked tirelessly to lead the peace effort so that his people might one day be able to cast off conflict and hate, and be free to see their families grow and prosper.
“Mr. Rabbani took on his Council duties well aware of the personal dangers to himself and his loved ones. By these actions he demonstrated that it is the path to peace that takes the most courage.
“I believe that the best tribute to Mr. Rabbani is for this act of hatred to further strengthen the resolve of those who strive every day to bring peace, freedom and justice to Afghanistan.
“Canadians join Afghans today in mourning this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Rabbani’s family and friends.”
