A Canadian man pursuing a business venture in Iraq has been abducted and killed, Prime Minister Paul Martin said Monday. He urged Canadians in Iraq to leave, saying "the situation remains volatile and the government of Canada cannot provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens in distress." Martin identified the victim as Zaid Meerwali, who also held Iraqi citizenship."Canada vehemently condemns this barbaric crime, and remains committed to working both bilaterally and multilaterally to help build a prosperous and peaceful democracy in Iraq," Martin said in a statement. There was no immediate word from Canadian or Iraqi officials on any suspects in the case, but hundreds of foreigners and Iraqis have been seized by insurgents fighting to drive U.S.-led forces out of the country. Canada has not contributed troops to the coalition forces in Iraq, and opposed the U.S.-led invasion and occupation of the country.
| Fat lot of good it did him, ain't it, Paul? |
| Fortunately, they "remain committed to working both bilaterally and multilaterally to help build a prosperous and peaceful democracy in Iraq". Imagine how they'd be if they were against that. |