Canada Welcomes UN Security Council Resolution Authorizing Observer Mission in Syria

News Release

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**April 21, 2012 -** Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“I welcome the unanimous adoption today by the United Nations Security Council of the resolution authorizing a mission to supervise the ceasefire in Syria. It is my sincere hope that the Syrian regime will understand that the international community is united in the view that the violence must stop and the needs of the Syrian people must be heard.

“We encourage the Secretary-General to deploy the observer mission as soon as possible and urge all parties in Syria, especially the Syrian authorities, to support and cooperate with the observers.

“At the Foreign Ministers’ meeting on Syria in Paris this past week, participants, including Canada, pledged support for a UN observer mission.

“We call upon the Assad regime to fulfill its promises and implement fully all six elements of Special Envoy Annan’s plan.

“It is vital that the Syrian forces cease their attacks and withdraw to their barracks, and that humanitarian assistance reach those in need.

“Canada stands with the Syrian people and supports their demands for freedom, dignity and democracy.”