Even as monitoring teams from the Arab League arrived on the ground in Syria, security forces continue to attack and kill protestors. Foreign Affairs Minister John Just issued the following statement:
“The Assad regime continues to indiscriminately slaughter Syrian civilians—even as international observers prepare to arrive in Syria. This desperate and increasingly isolated regime has no credibility; Assad and his backers must step down immediately.
“We call upon Assad’s remaining supporters to renounce this use of excessive violence and send a clear message to the Assad regime that these actions will not be tolerated.
“The Syrian people have made clear calls for change. The Assad regime has flagrantly ignored their desire for even the most basic of rights.
“We will continue to work with our international partners to bring further pressure to bear.”
On December 15, 2011, Canada announced a voluntary evacuation of its citizens in Syria and expedited efforts to help them leave the country as soon as possible. We continue to urge all Canadians in Syria to leave immediately, while commercial means are still available.