Statement

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

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF ZAMBIA'S PRESIDENT MWANAWASA

August 19, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his condolences today to the people of Zambia on the death of President Levy Mwanawasa.

"President Mwanawasa was a strong and principled African leader, responsible for Zambia's economic resurgence. His fight against corruption in his country and his work toward economic reform will be his lasting legacy.

"In recent months, as chairman of the Southern Africa Development Community, President Mwanawasa was highly critical of the Zimbabwean government and its recent elections. His regional leadership on this issue was instrumental in encouraging the Community, the regional body for Southern Africa, to take a more active role in mediating a political solution in Zimbabwe.

"Under President Mwanawasa's leadership, Zambia has been a strong and reliable partner for Canada. He will be missed."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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