Joint statement by Minister Dion and Minister Bibeau on cessation of hostilities in Syria

News Release

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February 27, 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 welcoming the cessation of hostilities in Syria:

“We welcome and support the cessation of hostilities in Syria, brokered by the United States and Russia, accepted by the regime and its backers, signed on to by opposition groups under the High Negotiations Committee, and endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council.

“While tenuous, the cessation of hostilities is an important step toward achieving the lasting political solution required to bring an end to the bloodshed in Syria.

“There were reports of some violations in the first hours of the ceasefire. Nonetheless, this agreement is an opportunity for the Syrian regime and its backers to demonstrate their willingness to work toward peace.‎

“Canada calls upon all sides to fully comply with the cessation of hostilities and to relieve the suffering of the Syrian people. The humanitarian needs inside the country are immense. Aid agencies—such as the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, UN agencies and local partners—must be able to operate freely in order to bring much-needed assistance to desperate populations. ‎

“If successful, this cessation of hostilities will save lives and create the space necessary for meaningful dialogue to resume in Geneva under the auspices of the UN.”