Statement by Minister Baird on Travel Restrictions for Belarusian Opposition Members
March 21, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement regarding Belarus barring select opposition leaders from travelling abroad:
“I am deeply concerned to hear that the Belarusian authorities are restricting the movement of opposition leaders intending to travel outside their country. The travel ban is yet another sign of a troubling trend in Belarus.
“We call on Belarus to ensure that all Belarusians can exercise their fundamental rights, including the right to exercise their liberty of movement.
“Canada remains a vigorous defender of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law and will continue to work with our international partners to ensure that the people of Belarus can exercise their fundamental rights.”
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