Statement

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January 31, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement welcoming the launch of a United Nations-led peace process to end the conflict in Syria:

“Canada welcomes the launch of the Syrian peace negotiations between the Syrian opposition and the Assad regime, convened under the auspices of Staffan de Mistura, UN Special Envoy for Syria. These negotiations on a political transition process aim to bring an end to the conflict in Syria, in accordance with the 2012 Geneva Communiqué.

“After five years of violence, hundreds of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions, it is imperative that all sides work together to bring an end to the bloodshed. We commend the leadership and support of the United Nations and the International Syria Support Group to this end. This conflict cannot be resolved through military means alone.

“Building on the positive outcomes of the Syrian opposition’s gathering in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 18, 2015, Canada welcomes the Syrian High Negotiations Committee’s continued unity and engagement in this process. Canada stands ready to support the Syrian people in their efforts to secure a future that is peaceful, just, democratic and respectful of the rights of all of its citizens.

“To create a more favourable environment for peace talks, the targeting of civilians must come to an end. Canada calls for an end to indiscriminate bombing and an end to the use of starvation as a weapon of war.”