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Canada Condemns Assassination of Dr. Mohamad Chatah in Beirut Bombing

December 27, 2013 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement: 

“Canada condemns today’s deplorable car bomb attack in downtown Beirut, which has killed six people, including former finance minister and Sunni Future Movement member Mohamad Chatah, and injured at least 70.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to express condolences to the families of those killed and a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

“It is with great sadness that I learned that Dr. Chatah was among those who were killed. Dr. Chatah was a strong voice for peace and moderation in Lebanon, whom I had the opportunity to meet on my visit to Lebanon in August 2012. His loss will be deeply felt by peace-loving people in Lebanon and beyond. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends and to the Lebanese people at this difficult time.

“Canada strongly condemns all attempts to destabilize Lebanon. We stand firmly with the Lebanese people in the face of terrorist threats and commend their resilience.”

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