For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 18, 2002
Statement by the President
All Americans are deeply saddened by the deaths yesterday of four
brave Canadian military personnel in Afghanistan--and by the injuries
sustained by eight others. I immediately expressed to Prime Minster
Chretien my deepest sorrow and sympathy at this tragic accident.
Canada's fallen heroes and their families are in our hearts and
prayers.
Canada is a vital member of a mighty coalition against terrorism
and hatred. It is shouldering great burdens and making tremendous
sacrifices to make the world a safer place for all people. It is doing
so in defense of the values that define the Canadian nation and that
unite our two peoples.
As I told the Prime Minister, we will work together with Canada in
a thorough and timely investigation to determine exactly how
yesterday's tragedy in Afghanistan occurred. We will draw every
possible lesson from what happened and do everything we can to protect
coalition forces engaged in this vitally important mission.
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