News Release

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**Canada Welcomes Arab League Sanctions on Syria**

**(No. 354 - November 27, 2011 - 7:15 p.m. ET)** Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada welcomes the Arab League’s courageous decision to put sanctions on the Assad regime.

“This is another important signal from Syria’s neighbours that the egregious behaviour of the Assad regime will not be tolerated.

“We are encouraged to hear of the Arab League’s plans to engage with the United Nations. The senseless violence occurring in Syria can no longer be ignored by the United Nations. We call on the UN to follow the Arab League’s decision and further isolate this reckless and illegitimate regime.

“We stand with the Syrian people, who seek to realize a brighter future for themselves—one that respects freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“Canadians in Syria should leave now by commercial means while these are still available.”