Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (dfr.gov.krd) – Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of KRG Department of Foreign Relations today received the Canadian Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Bruno Saccomani and his accompanying delegation to discuss the tragic incident that resulted in the death of the Canadian Armed Forces Member, Sergeant Andrew Joseph Doiron.
Commenting on the incident, Ambassador Saccomani stated, “It was an incredibly unfortunate incident. We hope that we can increase our level of communication in order to prevent such incidents from happening. Sergeant Doiron lost his life in the line of duty. We will honor and remember his service to Canada.”
He added, “We value our allies and we consider the Kurdistan Region as an ally. Canada is here to support Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the fight against ISIS. Members of international community have a moral obligation to fight terrorism and extremism. We are committed to continue fighting the ISIS as part of the international coalition, within the present Canadian Government Approved Mission.”
Reiterating the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Ambassador stressed, “We are proud of our involvement in the fight against ISIS, and grateful to the men and women to whom it falls to carry out our commitment to peace and security.”
Minister Falah Mustafa said, “In the name of the Kurdistan Regional Government, we express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Doiron as well as the people and the government of Canada. We will honor and remember his service to the Kurdistan Region. We wish those injured a speedy recovery.”
He added, “Since the beginning of the ISIS attacks on the Kurdistan Region, the government of Canada has been at the forefront of the international coalition against ISIS. Canada has been a critical partner in the fight against ISIS. The people and the government of the Kurdistan Region are very appreciative of Canada’s continued support.”
The KRG Ministry of Peshmerga issued a statement today stating that a committee has been formed to investigate the occurrence of the tragic incident and to work on preventing such an incident from happening.