Canada Expels Syrian Diplomats

News Release

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**May 29, 2012 -** Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canadians, like other people around the world, were horrified to learn this past weekend the details of a massacre in Houla, Syria. The dead included nearly three dozen children under the age of 10.

“Despite repeated, even continual, calls for peace, Assad’s reprehensible campaign of savage violence continues unabated.

“Canada has been at the forefront of efforts to isolate Assad and his regime internationally and mitigate a growing humanitarian crisis. Today, Canada is expelling all Syrian diplomats remaining in Ottawa. They and their families have five days to leave Canada. Another Syrian diplomat awaiting passage to Ottawa from Syria will be refused entry.

“Canada is acting in a coordinated effort with our closest partners, who are pursuing similar actions.

 “Canada and our partners are speaking loudly, with one voice, in saying these Syrian representatives are not welcome in our countries while their masters in Damascus continue to perpetrate their heinous and murderous acts.

“The ongoing violence must stop immediately, and the Syrian people must be free to realize for themselves a better, brighter future. Canada remains committed to working with the international community to find solutions to this crisis.”