Canada announces sanctions against Syria

2011-05-25 15:20:04 GMT+7 (ICT)

OTTAWA (BNO NEWS) -- Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced targeted sanctions against members of the current Syrian regime, which has violently cracked down on anti-government protesters.

The Canadian government said it has imposed a travel ban to the country and an asset freeze against people who are associated with the current Syrian regime. The asset freeze also applies to entities involved in security and military operations against the Syrian people, although their names were not released.

In addition, Canada announced a ban under the Export and Import Permits Act on the export from Canada to Syria of goods and technology that are subject to export controls. It also announced the suspension of all bilateral cooperation agreements and initiatives with Syria.

"Canada is gravely concerned at the excessive use of force by the Syrian regime against its own people, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and the detention of thousands more," said Harper. "The sanctions being announced today are a repudiation of Syria's blatant violation of its international human rights obligations that threaten the security of the entire Middle East."

Canada said it is also concerned about the humanitarian situation in cities and towns that remain under military lockdown, and by reports that hundreds of Syrians are fleeing the country.

"The best way to ensure peace and stability in Syria is through democratic reform and respect for human rights, not violent repression," Prime Minister Harper said, adding that the sanctions are not intended to cause harm to the Syrian people.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-05-25

Canadian sanctions are not significant. Far more significant is the following if true as it suggests Turkey are distancing themselves from Syria, which leaves Assad isolated where it matters with Iran as their only ally.

http://www.debka.com/article/20967/