Statement by Official Opposition Foreign Affairs Critic Hélène Laverdière on Syria

The New Democratic Party condemns the reported massacre in Homs yesterday by Syrian forces.

New Democrats stand in solidarity with the Syrian people and their democratic aspirations. We categorically condemn the Syrian government’s violent crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protests and are alarmed at the escalation in violence by Syrian forces yesterday. Canada should immediately recall our ambassador from Syria.

New Democrats are incredibly disappointed by Russia and China’s veto of a UN Security Council resolution on the crisis this morning. We call on the Canadian government to immediately exert diplomatic pressure on China and particularly Russia in order to secure a UN resolution on the crisis.

On behalf of New Democrats, I wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to the families of those killed yesterday in Homs and to the courageous people of Syria.