18 April 2002
Bush Promises Full Investigation of Bombing of Canadians in Afghanistan
(Four Canadians killed, eight injured in accidental April 17 incident)
(250)
Following is the text of a statement by President Bush April 18 on the
loss of four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, killed April 17 when
they were accidentally bombed by a U.S. plane during a training
exercise:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
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.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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