Statement by Minister Baird on Syria's Suspension from Arab League

News Release

------------

**(No. 348 – November 16, 2011 – 7:20 p.m. ET)** Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today made the following statement:

“Canada welcomes today’s Arab League confirmation formally suspending Syria's membership.

“This is an important signal from Syria's neighbours that the egregious behaviour of the Assad regime will not be tolerated.

“Its campaign of terror against the Syrian people must end. President Assad and those supporting him must go. We especially welcome the positive contributions of Turkey and Jordan in this regard.

“Canada will continue to urge the isolation of this illegitimate regime. We stand with the Syrian people who have courageously stood for freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the face of brutal repression.

“Canadians in Syria should leave now by commercial means while these are still available.”