Statement on the Syrian attack on Turkey

New Democrat Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar has issued the following statement in reaction to tensions between Syria and Turkey.

“New Democrats strongly condemn today’s attack by Syria on Turkey which killed five civilians including a child. We express our condolences to the families of the victims and to the Turkish people.

"The ongoing crisis in Syria has claimed thousands of lives. We are deeply concerned about the rising tensions. We call on the Syrian government to immediately cease all violence against its neighbouring countries and against its own civilians.

"We are gravely concerned about the potential of this conflict spreading in the region. This is an important moment for international leadership to de-escalate tensions. The Security Council of the United Nations should be seized with finding a resolution to this crisis. Canada must be engaged in these discussions and in discussions at NATO.

"Thousands of lives have already been lost. We must not allow this conflict to spread.”