The Honourable Jerahmiel S. Grafstein, Q.C.

 Honourable senators, two and a half decades ago, Senator Grafstein entered this chamber. Today we say goodbye as he takes leave of the Senate early in the new year. It is difficult to imagine this place or the Liberal Party without him, and I am sure it is equally difficult for Senator Grafstein to imagine it.

Darfur Commitment

Honourable senators, I will take the honourable senator’s question as notice, because he has asked specific questions about our efforts in Darfur. The government has commitments all over the continent of Africa. I am well aware of the mission in which Senator Dallaire participated on behalf of the previous government. He is to be commended for his work.

Nuclear Weapons in Iran

Hon. Marjory LeBreton (Leader of the Government and Minister of State (Seniors)): Marjory.LeBreton@pco-bcp.gc.ca
I wish to thank the Honourable Senator Segal for that question. This is a serious matter.
The government believes that the revelation of Iran ‘s covert uranium enrichment facility is completely shocking and unacceptable. The government has condemned Iran ‘s continued and deliberate disregard for the UN Security Council resolutions and the IAEA requirements.

Iran-Efforts to Establish Trade Relations

"I thank the honourable senator for his question.

The honourable senator cites some troubling incidents in Iran. I will take the question as notice and refer it to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I will provide the honourable senator with an answer as quickly as possible."

Israel-Explanation for Death of Military Observer Major Paeta Derek Hess-von Kruedener

"I thank the honourable senator for the question. The death of Major Hess-von Kruedener was a great tragedy, there is no doubt about that. We, of course, honour his service to the country and his memory, along with the three others who lost their lives at the same time. As the honourable senator knows, Major Hess-von Kruedener was honoured by the military in Canada at a military ceremony in Trenton.