March 31, 2012 - The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), made the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased that Canadian consular officials have helped secure the release of Mr. Henk Tepper. Mr. Tepper has been detained in Lebanon for the past year. Our government has been quietly and persistently working through diplomatic channels to resolve his situation.
“The ongoing cooperation of Mr. Tepper’s Member of Parliament, Mr. Mike Allen, has been sincerely appreciated. Canada’s Ambassador to Lebanon and consular officials displayed an unwavering commitment to assist Mr. Tepper.
“Canada is also appreciative of the responsiveness of our partners in Lebanon.
“We know this has been a very difficult time for Mr. Tepper and his family. We are pleased that he is returning safely home to Canada.”
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John Babcock
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Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs)
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