Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement deploring the latest violent crackdown by the Syrian regime against its own people:

“ Canada strongly condemns the latest violent and abhorrent assault by Syrian security forces against peaceful protesters, in particular the brutal attack on Hama . The use of military force, including tanks, by the Assad regime to suppress the Syrian people’s calls for democratic reform is utterly indefensible.

“ Canada is also deeply concerned about reports that a key official in the opposition has been arrested. Canada calls for the immediate release of this individual, along with all others detained because of peaceful protests.

“The use of violence by a government against its own citizens is unacceptable.

“ 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 status quo is not acceptable. The Syrian President is faced with a clear choice: deliver the reform that the Syrian people are asking or get out of the way so others can deliver it.

“ Canada continues to support the people of Syria in their efforts to realize a better future for themselves.”

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