Fw: Statement

 

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA

April 4, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan:

"I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Private Terry John Street who died in the service of his country and while helping the people of Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this very trying time.

Private Street served his country with pride and selfless dedication. He paid the ultimate price while serving Canada and working towards a very noble goal, the reconstruction of Afghanistan. He will forever be remembered as an example of bravery and outstanding dedication.

Canada, and its allies in this important mission, are helping the people of Afghanistan rebuild their country after decades of war and turmoil.

The Government of Canada is proud of our Canadian Forces members in Afghanistan. We support them as they work towards the international goal of creating a lawful, democratic and secure Afghanistan."

Private Terry John Street, was a member of the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba.

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Fw: News Release

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER BACKS UKRAINE'S PROGRESS TOWARD NATO MEMBERSHIP

April 2, 2008
Bucharest

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today expressed Canada's strong support for Ukraine to move towards membership in the NATO alliance. Prime Minister Harper urged other leaders to support Ukraine's request to join NATO's Membership Action Plan, saying that bringing Ukraine into the alliance would accelerate the pace of democratic reform and economic development.

"Ukraine has made great progress on democratization and in opening up its economy in recent years," the Prime Minister said. "The country is on a path to a better future for its people, and I call upon our NATO partners to agree that we should keep Ukraine moving forward toward full membership in the alliance."

"Through its actions at home and abroad, Ukraine has demonstrated that it shares the values of Canada and our NATO allies," Prime Minister Harper said. "The Ukrainian people naturally yearn for greater freedom, democracy and prosperity. Canada will do everything in its power to help Ukraine realize these aspirations, including backing its bid for NATO membership, as long as the country keeps making progress on democratic reform and opening up its economy."

The Prime Minister also indicated that Canada would join any NATO consensus to admit the Republic of Georgia to NATO's Membership Action Plan.

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