Good morning,

Let me thank Dr. Jackman, as well as Julie Lindhout and Col. McKenna, and all their colleagues at the Atlantic Council of Canada, as well as the co-sponsors, for organizing this timely conference. I am also very happy to see many familiar and friendly faces here today… whose views today will further enrich the discussions. I am also delighted that some members of the Afghan-Canadian community of Toronto, the largest in Canada, are here today. It is always encouraging to see the community sincerely take part and act as an important liaison between the country of origin and their adopted country.

Ottawa – The Ambassador of Afghanistan to Canada expressed his government’s sympathy to the families of the four Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in a roadside bomb attack in southern Afghanistan today.

Amb. Omar Samad said “The Afghan Government strongly condemns this act of terror, and will not rest until the perpetrators of such attacks are brought to justice.” He added, “the Afghan government and people are grateful for the dedication and courage shown by Canadian and other multi-national troops in helping us secure the volatile Southern belt of the country.”

to begin by expressing my outrage at this despicable act of violence which goes against all human, cultural and religious norms, and is a vivid reminder as to why it is absolutely necessary for all of us, to rid Afghanistan of the scourge of terror, and to bring lasting peace to our people who have suffered for more than two decades.