Defence minister's statement on Afghanistan deaths

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DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

************************* Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Deaths of Master Corporal Allan Stewart and Trooper Patrick James Pentland

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - (April 12, 2007) - The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of Master Corporal Allan Stewart and Trooper Patrick James Pentland:

"The Canadian Forces grieve for Master Corporal Allan Stewart and Trooper Patrick James Pentland, who died yesterday in Afghanistan. The incident occurred when a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle, as they were helping another vehicle that had been struck by a bomb earlier in the day.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of these devoted soldiers. These tragedies are a painful reminder that the Canadian Forces are engaged in a difficult and dangerous mission in Afghanistan.

But in the face of this, Canada's soldiers are succeeding in our mission of securing a brighter future for the Afghan people while ensuring that Afghanistan never again becomes a base for terrorism. Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with our troops and our allies, unwavering in our commitment to the success of this mission.

We will honour the sacrifice of these brave soldiers by continuing our efforts to build a safe and secure Afghanistan."

************************* Earlier SooToday.com coverage of this story

(Updated) More Canadian casualties today in Afghanistan Canadian soldiers identified