OTTAWA - The official Opposition wants Canada's ambassador recalled from Syria, but the government says he will stay in the besieged country to blast President Bashar Assad for his attacks on domestic dissenters.
NDP foreign affairs critic Helene Laverdiere urged the government to recall the envoy because she said it would send a strong message to Assad, who has waged a bloody 11-month crackdown on dissent in his country that has left thousands dead.
A Syrian government military offensive against people in the city of Homs has entered its third straight day.
The Obama administration closed the U.S. embassy in Damascus on Monday and recalled all diplomatic staff. Britain recalled its ambassador to Syria and expressed its disgust over the situation.
"It's not a question of cutting diplomatic ties completely," Laverdiere said Monday. "Our position does not go as far as that of the United States."
Chris Day, spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, indicated Monday that Canada had no plans to further draw down its diplomatic staff after calling home several diplomats last week.
Canada reduced its staff to "core personnel only" but kept ambassador Glenn Davidson at his post, with a small skeleton staff.
"The safety of Canadian staff in Syria is our number one priority," said Day. "Canada has extremely strong views about the abhorrent actions of the current regime. And our Ambassador continues to deliver those messages at the highest levels."
Day said the government is continuing to urge Canadians to leave Syria.
Last week, the government closed the visa and immigration sections of the Damascus mission.
The diplomatic moves follow a veto by Russia and China that killed a UN Security Council resolution condemning the Assad regime.
Laverdiere also urged Prime Minister Stephen Harper to raise the matter with his hosts in China, given their veto over the weekend.
Harper has departed for China for a week-long trip that is focused on deepening trade ties, but is being urged by the NDP and various other organizations to raise human rights issues as well.
Laverdiere says Harper should use the opportunity to try to gain a better first-hand understanding of China's position on Syria.
"Understanding the reason is not accepting the veto. But I think it's a step in the right direction," she says.
She urged Harper to reiterate Canada's support for the UN resolution and for past efforts by the Arab League.
Day said that Baird, who is accompanying Harper to China, would likely raise the topic for discussion with officials in Beijing.
"We will discuss a range of global issues with our hosts, including the situation in the Middle East," said Day.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said he recalled his ambassador from Syria to consult on the escalating violence in the country.
Hague said Monday that Britain has expressed its abhorrence over the violent crackdown through various channels, and has summoned Syria's ambassador in London to convey that message.
At least 17 people were killed Monday in the third day of renewed government attacks in Homs, the city that is the centre of the uprising.
