Baird Reaction to John Kerry Statement on Syria

**August 30, 2013 -** Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Earlier today, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry publicly outlined details of how they concluded that the Assad regime flagrantly used chemical weapons against its own people, causing wide-scale death and devastation in the suburbs of Damascus on August 21, 2013.

“Along with its international partners and allies, Canada has condemned this despicable and abhorrent act.

“As Prime Minister Harper said earlier this week, Canada believes that a firm and unequivocal response is needed to deter any future use of chemical weapons. We also believe that a clear message on the proliferation and use of such weapons must be sent to rogue regimes around the world.

“Although the Prime Minister made very clear yesterday that the Government of Canada has no plans at this time for a Canadian military mission, we fully support our friends and allies in responding to the Assad regime’s horrific attack on its own people.

“The Obama administration has shown great resolve and proper due diligence in the past week, and we fully support its efforts going forward.

“Prime Minister Harper and I will continue to keep in close contact with Canada’s allies and partners in the days and weeks ahead.”