Canada declares national day of mourning
WebPosted Thu Sep 13 15:36:39 2001
OTTAWA - A memorial service will be held on Parliament Hill at noon Friday to honour Americans killed and injured in terrorist attacks earlier in the week.
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"I'm asking all Canadians to join tomorrow in a national day of mourning," said Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
"This will show the solidarity that we feel towards our American neighbours and the families of the Canadian victims … We want to fortify their courage in the face of this terrible situation."
The United States plans to hold a ceremony on Friday as well.
The prime minister reiterated Canada's promise to help catch and punish the people responsible for Tuesday's mass murder.
"We join all civilized nations in pledging our complete support in the days to come and our full co-operation in bringing those who have committed this awful crime to justice," Chrétien said.
But he dismissed speculation about Canada getting involved in military campaigns abroad, saying that investigators have not identified who is responsible yet.
"When (NATO) action will be decided to be taken Canada will participate, but in which form I don't know," Chrétien said.
When asked about reports that some of the hijackers may have entered the United States from Canada, the prime minister said there is no firm evidence right now that any suspects travelled across the Canadian border.
Chrétien said terrorism is a worldwide problem, and that Canada must join other countries in tightening security and preventing further tragedies.
The prime minister urged Canadians not to blame Tuesday's attacks on an entire people or religious group. "We are in a struggle against terrorism, not against any one community or faith," he said.