Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER ON THE DEATHS OF SIX CANADIAN SOLDIERS

July 4, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the deaths of six Canadian soldiers:

"It is with deep sorrow that I have learned of today's tragic event in Afghanistan that took the lives of six Canadian soldiers. On behalf of all Canadians, my most sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Captain Matthew Johnathan Dawe, Master Corporal Colin Bason, Corporal Cole Bartsch and Private Lane Watkins. At the request of the family, the names of the remaining two soldiers are being withheld temporarily. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.

An Afghan interpreter also died in this incident, and we send our condolences to his family and friends.

These brave young men put their lives on the line to defend and protect Afghans and provide them the opportunity to rebuild their lives. These soldiers were playing an instrumental role in training and mentoring their Afghan comrades.

The legacies of our fallen soldiers will be carried on by the men and women in uniform who continue to serve Canada valiantly, and remain committed to creating a stable and self-sustaining democratic society for the Afghan people. We are all forever grateful for the sacrifices our serving men and women make on behalf of Canada."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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