The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today issued the following statement on UN Security Council Resolution 1757 on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon:

“Canada applauds the decision of the UN Security Council to establish a Special Tribunal for Lebanon by June 10, 2007. The Security Council has sent a strong message that those who perpetrate terrorist acts constitute a threat to international peace and security, and must be brought to justice. We encourage all Lebanese parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and redouble their efforts to reach a national consensus by that date.

“The Lebanese people require our full support for their efforts to render justice in the case of the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri, and many others. Justice is essential for Lebanon’s unity, democratic development, stability and sovereignty.

“The Government of Canada applauds the leadership of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora at this critical juncture in Lebanon’s history.”