Baird Condemns Air Strikes on Syrian Civilians

News Release

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**December 24, 2013 -** Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada strongly condemns the ongoing air strikes inflicted by the Syrian regime on Aleppo and surrounding areas that are killing hundreds of innocent civilians, many of whom are women and children.

“The appalling level of violence the Assad regime continues to inflict on the Syrian people will only stoke further violence and brutality on both sides of the conflict.

“Canada’s position has been clear: the only way to end the crisis in Syria is through a Syrian-led political transition. The Syrian people must believe that they have a place in a new, free, democratic and pluralistic Syria.

“This deplorable violence and use of force by Assad will do nothing to bring that political solution closer to fruition.

“Canada calls on all parties to adhere to international human rights obligations and to provide full and unhindered humanitarian access and emergency relief to those in need.”