New sanctions against Syria

In international news,  Ottawa has announced immediate sanctions against Bashar al-Assad’s regime, in an attempt to stop the brutal crackdown on protesters in Syria. The sanctions  were announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird, at a news conference on Parliament Hill on Tuesday. The sanctions include a travel ban for Syrian president and other officials, as well as an asset freeze.

Also important is Canada’s ban on exports of certain goods and technologies, as well as military items and munitions intented for use by the Syrian forces. All  bilateral co-operation agreements and initiatives between Canada and Syria will be suspended. Canadians, as well as those living abroad, are barred from dealing in property belonging to certain listed individuals.

All Canadians are recommended not to travel to Syria. The seriousness of the sanctions are not intented to punish the Syrian people, but to force the government to answer the democratic call of its people.

After protesting for ten consecutive weeks, the people of Syria have been met by an escalating cycle of brutal repression, already sanctioned by the US and Europe.