AHEPA British Columbia; the Hellenic Community of Vancouver, the Greek Orthodox Community of East Vancouver; the Hellenic Community of Surrey and Fraser Valley, the Hellenic Community of Victoria and Vancouver Island, the Hellenic Congress of BC along with the United Armenian Committee of BC are profoundly disappointed with, and vehemently object to, the decision of the Government of Canada to start anew the export of Canadian drone parts to the Government of Turkey. This decision raises serious concerns with respect to our Canadian government’s commitment to human rights, international security, and justice.
Turkey has consistently demonstrated an intense disregard for human rights, religious freedoms, democratic values, transparency and the rule of domestic and international law. This decision by the Government of Canada ignores the ongoing aggression and human rights violations committed by Turkey against various populations and countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, most particularly Greece, Cyprus and Armenia.
Moreover, we wish to remind the Government of Canada of its important leadership role during the Turkey-Cyprus conflict in 1974. Canada’s past efforts in promoting peace and stability in the region serve as a testament to its capacity for leadership and diplomacy. This illegal occupation is now in its’ 50th year.
We strongly urge the Government of Canada to immediately restore its place on the international stage as a steward of human rights, international security, and justice.
Any short-term political considerations of selling drone parts to Turkey could cost lives.
We could not be more opposed to this initiative by our government and demand an audience with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister of Canada.
George Vassilas: AHEPA BC
Alex G. Tsakumis: Hellenic Community Vancouver
Nick Kasidoulis: Greek Orthodox Community East Vancouver
Stamatis Charalambidis: Greek Community Surrey
George Diamantopoulos: Hellenic Congress BC
Anita Desjardins: United Armenian Committee BC
Tim Petropoulos: Hellenic Community Victoria
