Joint statement by Minister Dion and Minister Bibeau on air strikes in Syria

Statement

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July 17, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement following the air strikes yesterday in Aleppo, Syria:

“Canada strongly condemns the continued targeting of health-care facilities and personnel in the Syrian conflict. Hospitals and clinics are not and should never be a target. Their patients and staff are protected under international humanitarian law, and they must remain protected. All parties should respect humanitarian principles and understand that medical care recognizes no sides, just human suffering.

“The death and destruction is heartbreaking. On behalf of all Canadians, we are deeply saddened by the loss of life and hope for a speedy recovery for those injured.

“We call for an immediate end to attacks on civilians, bombings and siege tactics.

“Canada calls on all parties to immediately adhere to the Terms for Cessation of Hostilities in Syria agreement and to return to the negotiating table in good faith. The people of Syria deserve a future that has hope and is free from violence. It is up to the parties to work toward that.”