Canada Further Expands Sanctions Against Syria

News Release

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**(No. 390 - December 23, 2011 - 10:15 a.m. ET)** Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced new sanctions on Syria’s Assad regime in response to its ongoing and escalating repression of Syrians:

“Despite increased international condemnation, the senseless violence against the Syrian people continues to claim lives.

“Canada is therefore continuing to step up its pressure on the regime and those who support it by introducing additional targeted sanctions.

“These measures prohibit all imports, with the exception of food, from Syria; all new investment in Syria; and the export to Syria of equipment, including software, for the monitoring of telephone and Internet communications. Canada is also imposing an assets freeze and prohibiting economic dealings with additional individuals and entities associated with the Assad regime.

“Canada stands with the Syrian people in their efforts to secure for themselves a brighter future. We look forward to a new Syria that respects the rights of its people and lives in peace with its neighbours.

“Canada remains committed to working with our international partners to bring pressure to bear on the Assad regime.

“Sanctions imposed by like-minded partners, including the United States and the European Union, and recently by the Arab League are having an impact in isolating the regime.”

On December 15, 2011, Canada announced a voluntary evacuation of its citizens in Syria and expedited efforts to help them leave the country as soon as possible. We continue to urge all Canadians in Syria to leave immediately, while commercial means are still available.

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