OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that targeted sanctions would be imposed against members of the current Syrian regime.  This action is in response to the on-going and violent crackdown by the military and security forces against Syrian civilians who are peacefully protesting for democracy and the respect of human rights. 

“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 Prime Minister 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 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.

Our Government will be implementing the following sanctions against Syria which are aimed at pushing for democratic reform:

•    A travel ban to Canada imposed on designated people associated with the current Syrian regime;
•    An asset freeze against people associated with the current Syrian regime and entities involved in security and military operations against the Syrian people;
•    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; and,
•    A suspension of all bilateral cooperation agreements and initiatives with Syria.

The measures announced today directly target members of the current Syrian regime and individuals and entities involved in the crackdown. They are not intended to cause harm to the Syrian people.

Canada stands with the Syrian people’s call for democratic reform and calls on the current regime to immediately cease the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.

“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 added.

Backgrounder

SYRIAN SANCTIONS

On May 24th our Government announced targeted sanctions against the Syrian regime and some designated individuals and entities in response to the on-going violent crackdown by its military and security forces against Syrians peacefully protesting for democracy and human rights.

These measures, which are a blend of administrative measures and actions taken under the authority of the Special Economic Measures Act, are consistent with initiatives taken by like-minded states, including the United States and the European Union.


Canadian Measures:

1. A travel ban:

Canada will ensure that persons associated with the Syrian government who are believed to be inadmissible to Canada are prevented from travelling to Canada.


2. An asset freeze:

Canada will impose an asset freeze against people associated with the current Syrian regime and entities involved in security and military operations against the Syrian people.


3. A ban on specific exports and imports

Canada will place 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.
This includes arms, munitions, military, nuclear, and strategic items that are intended for use by the armed forces, police or other governmental agencies of Syria; and

4. A suspension of all bilateral cooperation agreements and initiatives with Syria.

The measures announced are consistent with Canada’s foreign policy priority to promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world.