STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA
WHILE IN TRAPANI, ITALY

 

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks while visiting Canadian Armed Forces in Trapani, Italy:

 

“Thank you very much, thank you General Bouchard, for your kind introduction.

 

“I want to thank our Italian hosts. I also want to give greetings to Minister Baird, to Ambassador Fox, to everyone who is with is today.

 

“Particularly greetings to you, the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

 

“Indeed, greetings to every member of Canada's Armed Services here today.

 

“As you will have heard by now, there is a meeting of leaders later today in Paris.

 

“There, we will take stock of the recent, remarkable progress in Libya and we will discuss that country’s future.

 

“But I wanted to come here first, to thank you personally.

 

“And to congratulate all of you for a job that has been very well done.

 

 “For without your commitment, your bravery and your actions, there would be no reason to meet later today.

 

“Nothing to talk about, nothing to plan for, no hope for the Libyan people.

 

“But, thanks to you, there is new hope.

 

“Which gives some proof to the old saying: ‘a handful of soldiers

is better than a mouthful of arguments.’

 

“For the Gaddafis of this world pay no attention to the force of argument.

 

“The only thing they get is the argument of force.

 

“And that you have delivered in a cause that is good and right.

 

“And all Canadians thank you for the great job you have been doing.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, Gaddafi is now out of power – not yet finished – but his remaining control is inexorably ebbing away.

 

“And history will record this: that it was the good work of Canada’s Armed Services – your work – working with our allies, that enabled the Libyan people to remove Gaddafi from power.

 

“They used to claim that in international affairs, and you’ve heard the quote many times: ‘Canada punched above its weight.’

 

“Well, to punch above your weight, you first have to be able to punch.

 

“And that is what you have done here.

 

“Numbers don't tell the whole story, but it bears repeating that the RCAF has flown – without caveats – more than 750 strike sorties against Gaddafi’s forces – a good 10 per cent of the strikes.

 

 “And Canadians should also know that the taking of Tripoli by rebel forces was materially assisted by CF-18 missions clearing away Gaddafi mechanized forces before the rebel advance.

 

“Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Navy frigate Charlottetown, and now her sister ship, Vancouver, have done splendid work, also without caveats enforcing the maritime blockade of Gaddafi’s forces.

 

“In other words, in the job of neutralizing Gaddafi, Canada played a part well out of all proportion.

 

“My friends, that unwavering professionalism reflects the greatest possible credit upon every one of you.

 

“Last week a NATO official told the world's press that Canada had indeed, and I quote, ‘punched above its weight’

 

“That’s what others say.

“This is what I say:

 

“Soldier for soldier, sailor for sailor, airman for airman, the Canadian Armed Forces are the best in the world.

 

“Of course, no one claims we have done this alone.

 

 “We are under a UN mandate and part of a NATO force, led with great distinction, I am proud to say, by the Royal Canadian Air Force’s own Lieutenant-General Charlie Bouchard.

 

 “And I would be remiss if I did not praise the leaders who are co-chairing this evening’s meeting – President Sarkozy and Prime Minister Cameron – for their resolve in guiding the international response to Gaddafi’s brutality.   

 

“They have stayed the course.

 

“And the world – a world which will not include Muammar Gaddafi – will be a better place for it.

 

“As Canadians, we have not forgotten his complicity in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.

 

“That vile attack upon a defenseless U.S. airliner took the lives of two Canadians, along with 268 other innocent people.

 

“But that was routine for Gaddafi. Terrorism was what he did. He bankrolled terrorists

the world over.

 

 “And, of course, Gaddafi terrorized Libyans for 42 years – 42 years, to this very day.

 

“Therefore, when in March he turned his guns upon his own, reform-minded citizens, he was again acting true to form.

 

“But this time, the people, even as ill-equipped and poorly organized as they were, would not yield.

 

“And this is, above all else, their victory.

 

 “And their opportunity for a better future.

 

“So, as we look ahead, we presume no right to tell the Libyans how they should govern themselves.

 

“Nor do we have unrealistic expectations.

 

“There is, I am afraid to say as we were just briefed, still fighting to be done. And undoubtedly, there will be, even after that, very difficult days ahead. 

 

“The National Transitional Council has before it a formidable task. 

 

“It must avoid reprisals.

 

“It must repair the most basic functions.

 

“And the Council must create a representative government that speaks for all Libyans.

 

“But because you held the ring while Libyans fought their own fight with their oppressor, the Libyan people are now free to choose.

 

“This is the best of Canada’s military tradition.

 

“For we are not a country that makes war for gain or for territory.

 

“We do not fight for glory.

 

“And if we covet honour, it is only a reputation for doing the right thing in a good cause.

 

“That is all.  And that is enough.

 

“So, let me leave you with this: just as Canadians thank you for your work here, I know that countless thousands of Libyans have reason to be grateful too. 

 

”Few will ever know you by name.

 

“Some may not even yet be born. 

 

“But if Libya can seize the opportunity that now lies before it, the real results of your actions these past five months will be seen in little things.

 

“Things we in Canada take for granted in our country. 

 

“Families going about their lives without fear. Children, for the first time, with hope for the future.

 

“Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly – the freedom of simply being left alone.

 

“You will never know them, but in their silent gratitude for a better life, you can take great pride.

 

“Just as all Canadians can take pride in the difference that you have made.

 

 “Congratulations, and on behalf of all of us, thank you and God bless all of you. God bless Canada.”

 

 

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