MGIN01: CANADA ON MUMBAI TERRORIST ATTACKS

UNCLAS OTTAWA 001498 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL AEMR PTER IN CA SUBJECT: MGIN01: CANADA ON MUMBAI TERRORIST ATTACKS ¶1. (U) Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon on November 28 confirmed that one Canadian had died and two others had been injured (one of whom remains in intensive care but is in stable condition) as a result of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, while Canadian consular officials had been able to account for the safety of 17 other Canadians known to be in the "unsafe hotels." On November 27, he had issued a statement confirming that he had spoken that morning with the Indian Foreign Minister and, "on behalf of the people of Canada, relayed my sincere condolences for those injured and killed in these barbaric attacks." He confirmed that "Canada stands united with India to combat all forms of terrorism. These attacks have strengthened our resolve to work together for the mutual security and prosperity of our people. Again, Canada strongly condemns these despicable acts of violence, which targeted innocent civilians." On November 26, he had issued a statement in which he noted that "Canada strongly condemns the savage terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which have left hundreds of innocent civilians injured or killed. These cowardly attacks are truly appalling." He confirmed that "Canada stands firmly united with the Government of India in condemning these despicable acts of violence. Canada and India share a commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Among our mutual priorities is close cooperation to promote international security and to fight terrorism." ¶2. (U) Separately, in the House of Commons' Question Period on November 27, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, in response to a question from Leader of the Official Opposition Stephane Dion, emphasized that "we join the entire world in expressing our outrage against this kind of unforgivable hatred, brutality and violence, and we will always stand with our friends in the democratic world against this." He extended Canada's sympathies "to anyone from any country and their families who have been affected by loss of life or injury in this terrible tragedy." Visit Canada,s Economy and Environment Forum at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/can ada WILKINS