Armenian <a href="https://time.news/hay-dat-condemns-canadas-decision-to-cancel-the-arms-embargo-to-turkey-2024-03-07-071211/" title="Hay Dat condemns Canada's decision to cancel the arms embargo to Turkey
– 2024-03-07 07:12:11″>Committee of Canada Condemns Lifting of Arms Embargo on Turkey
August 9, 2024
The Armenian Committee of Canada issued a statement today expressing deep concern over the Canadian government’s recent decision to cancel the long-standing embargo on the supply of arms to Turkey.
“This decision raises alarming concerns within the Canadian Armenian community,” stated the statement. “It threatens Canada’s commitment to upholding human rights, international security, and justice.”
The Committee highlighted the government’s previous suspension of arms sales to Turkey in 2019 following evidence of illegal arms transit to Azerbaijan, which violated treaty obligations. Despite this, the government lifted the embargo in 2020, allowing the export of certain technologies.
The statement further criticized Turkey’s ongoing aggression and human rights violations under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The lifting of the arms embargo, the Committee argued, contradicts Canada’s values and risks emboldening the Turkish government.
The Armenian Dat Committee called on the Canadian government to:
Review the decision and adopt a principled stance against Turkish aggression.
Prioritize human rights, international security, and justice over political considerations.
* Listen to the concerns of the Armenian community, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders.
The Committee concluded by urging the government to reconsider its position and take a firm stand against Turkey, reaffirming its commitment to its principles.