Mr. Speaker, even as representatives of the MFS were accepting their Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo last week, two of their number were being held hostage by rebel RUF fighters in Sierra Leone. The two volunteers, a Belgium doctor, Patrick Cloos, and a German logistician had been detained since December 6. They were being held in Kailahun District by renegade RUF field commander Sam Bockarie.
Only a few hours ago these two hostages were released and are making their way back to Freetown by helicopter. One of the hostages, Patrick Cloos, has a strong Canadian connection. In fact, Mr. Cloos is based in Montreal and will be returning to Canada in early January. His fiancée, who lives in Montreal, will be leaving for Brussels to join him within the next few days.
This incident is further evidence of the tremendous courage and devotion to duty of MFS workers. It is also further evidence of why countries like Canada must continue to work to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers in war zones like Sierra Leone.