Canada Remembers Victims and Condemns Repression on the Anniversary of Syrian Uprising

News Release

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**March 15, 2012 -** Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement on the solemn anniversary of the start of peaceful protests in Syria:

“One year after the Syrian people began their peaceful protests seeking reforms by the Assad regime, we remember sadly the thousands of Syrians who have been detained, tortured and killed by this reckless regime.

“The lives of those who have stood up against this savage repression cannot be lost in vain.

“Recent reports have emerged that the Syrian military has laid a band of anti-personnel mines along stretches of Syria’s borders. It is clear that the principal victims of the mines will be the innocent Syrian people trying desperately to flee the violence. We expect Syria to halt these actions immediately.

“One thing is clear, Assad must go. There is no other course of action.

“Those backing the Syrian regime should reconsider their support for such a brutal regime that continues to lack all regard for human life. Those who continue to support the regime and its repression will only share responsibility for their crimes.”

Minister Baird was pleased to note that Canadian parliamentarians unanimously passed a motion condemning the Assad regime and called upon it to end its reprehensible actions.