CCD Calls on Paul Martin to take real action against Syrian occupation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, Tuesday, 15 February, 2005 - Following the assassination of Rafik Hariri, former Prime Minister of Lebanon and vocal critic of the Syrian occupation and the Syrian-backed government of Lebanon, the Canadian Coalition for Democracies (CCD) is calling on Prime Minister Paul Martin to send a strong message that Syria will pay a price for continuing its illegal occupation of Lebanon.

"If Canada is to have any influence on the global stage, we must consistently stand for democracy," said Alastair Gordon, President of CCD. "The United States today backed up its criticism of Syria by recalling its ambassador. Canada needs to find its own effective mechanism, possibly including an ambassadorial recall, that will help force an end to this brutal occupation and violence against political opponents."

"If we fail to let Syria know that there will be a cost for illegally occupying Lebanon and hosting terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah, then brave political leaders and innocent civilians will continue to be murdered to advance political interests," added Gordon. "Canada must lead in action, not just words, to end the appeasement of such brutality."

Web: http://CanadianCoalition.com
Fax: 360-294-2839
Email: admin@CanadianCoalition.com