Baird to Attend Geneva II Talks on Syria

News Release

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**January 17, 2014 -** Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today released the following statement announcing that he will attend the Geneva II talks in Montreux, Switzerland, on January 22, 2014:

“Canada’s position on Syria has been clear and consistent: the only way to end the crisis in Syria is through a Syrian-led political transition. The Syrian people must believe that they have a place in a new, free, democratic and pluralistic Syria.

“To this end, we fully support the Geneva process, and Canada will participate fully next week. Canada commends those who worked hard to ensure this meeting becomes a reality.

“We call on both sides to participate in meaningful negotiations to enable a Syrian-led transition to democracy, so that the tragedy that is consuming Syria can end.

“The deplorable violence and use of force recently by the Assad regime will do nothing to bring that political solution closer to fruition.

“Canada will continue to call on all parties to adhere to international human rights obligations and to provide full and unhindered humanitarian access and emergency relief to those in need.”

Following the conference, Baird will join International Trade Minister Ed Fast at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.