Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon urged Syrian authorities Sunday to respect the rights of protesters and investigate a deadly crackdown amid demonstrations in the restive state. "Canada urges the government of Syria to respect the rights of its people to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression," Cannon said in a statement.
Protests broke out Friday in four cities in Syria. In the southern town of Daraa, activists said at least five people were killed when security forces moved in to disperse hundreds of protesters. "We call upon the Syrian authorities to fully investigate these deaths," Cannon said.
Ottawa urged Canadian citizens in Syria to be in contact with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive government updates and advisories.