Canada condemns suicide bombing in Kashmir

            John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has deplored in the strongest terms the suicide bombing of the state legislature in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed over 35 people and injured more than 60.

            “Canada condemns this appalling act of terrorism and calls for restraint all parties in the aftermath of this tragedy,” said Mr. Manley. “We offer our deepest sympathy to the victims and their families at this difficult time.”

            Minister Manley personally conveyed his concerns in telephone calls to Pakistani Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar and Indian Minister of External Affairs and Defence Jaswant Singh. Mr. Manley made it clear that the perpetrators should be identified and brought to justice as quickly as possible.

            The Minister also noted that this attack was further evidence that the international community needed to enhance security cooperation in order to put an end to terrorist activities. Mr. Manley underscored that Canada was undertaking a number of measures both domestically and internationally toward this end.