Statement

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December 19, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement welcoming the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015) endorsing the process to end the conflict in Syria:

“Canada commends the continued efforts of the International Syria Support Group \[ISSG\] and United Nations to push for a resolution to the conflict in Syria.

“We welcome and support UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015), which endorses the negotiations—aimed at securing an inclusive, Syrian-led, peaceful political transition in accordance with the 2012 Geneva Communiqué—scheduled to take place in January under United Nations auspices.

“We also welcome and support the ISSG initiative to implement a nationwide ceasefire in Syria once initial steps toward a political transition have been taken.

“This is another important step toward establishing a peace process that we hope will bring an end to the suffering of the Syrian people and bring stability to the region.

“Canada is pleased with the progress made by the ISSG as it continues to lay the groundwork for negotiations. We believe a political solution is the only way to end the Syrian crisis.”