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Government Says a Wealthy Canadian Businessman Was Kidnapped, Killed in Iraq

Posted on: Tuesday, 16 August 2005, 03:00 CDT

OTTAWA (CP) - A wealthy Canadian man who returned to his native Iraq to pursue business interests has been killed in Iraq by kidnappers.

Officials announced Monday that Zaid Meerwali, who held dual Canadian-Iraqi citizenship, was abducted on Aug. 2 and murdered. Officials said Meerwali returned to Iraq several months ago to pursue a business venture. It was not clear why he was abducted. The government said it knew of the man's kidnapping at the time but could not offer any assistance.

Prime Minister Paul Martin issued a statement expressing condolences to the man's family and condemning the murder.

"It is with both profound sadness and abhorrence that I learned of the circumstances of his death," Martin said.

"Canada vehemently condemns this barbaric crime, and remains committed to working both bilaterally and multilaterally to help build a prosperous and peaceful democracy in Iraq."

At least four Canadians have been among 200 foreigners kidnapped in Iraq, including journalists, humanitarian workers, contractors and soldiers.

Martin reminded Canadians against travelling to Iraq.

"Any Canadians in Iraq should leave," he said. "The situation remains volatile and the government of Canada cannot provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens in distress."

Dan McTeague, parliamentary secretary responsible for Canadians abroad, said the advisory to leave includes humanitarian workers.

He called the situation in Iraq "dangerous and unpredictable."

"Iraq, of course, is a place where we recommend Canadians not travel, those who are there should get out as soon as possible for very obvious reasons," McTeague said.

He said he couldn't release any further details about Meerwali, such as where he lived in Canada, because the family wants privacy.

Foreign Affairs Canada has a travel advisory in effect for Iraq.

Its website: "strongly advises against involvement in humanitarian missions to Iraq, including those travelling to northern regions - specifically, the city of Irbil - where major bomb attacks have recently occurred, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

"Canadians who choose to remain despite this warning should maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid crowds and demonstrations, monitor local developments and news broadcasts, and review their security arrangements carefully."

There is no Canadian embassy in Iraq.

Source: Canadian Press

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