Baird Condemns Ongoing Violence in Syria

News Release

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**May 15, 2012 -** Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada is outraged by the Syrian regime’s latest display of senseless brutality. Spiralling violence continues to hit new and despicable lows, as Syrian forces opened fire on innocent civilians taking part in a funeral procession.

“The attack on the United Nations convoy shortly afterwards reflects this continued escalation of violence.

“This abhorrent behaviour, in plain sight of the UN observers, shows Assad is continuing to completely disregard the international community.

“We again call on all parties to cooperate with the UN observers, to respect the ceasefire, and to support the efforts of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan to resolve the crisis.”