Speech

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**January 26, 2012**

The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, issued the following statement on the death of Dr. Abd-al-Razzaq Jbeiro, Secretary General of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent:

"Canada condemns this act of violence against the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. The attack that killed Dr. Jbeiro was carried out while he was travelling in a clearly marked Red Crescent vehicle. Canada continues to call for full, free, and unhindered access to affected populations for humanitarian workers and encourages all parties to ensure their safety.

"Canada calls on all in Syria to respect the impartiality and neutrality of the work carried out by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada and Canadians, I wish to offer my most sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of Dr. Jbeiro.

"Canada supports the efforts of the Syrian people to obtain freedom and democracy. Canada looks forward to a new Syria that respects the rights of all its people and lives in peace with its neighbours."