Canada asks Hungary to take over representation in Syria

Canada has asked the Hungarian embassy in Damascus to take over its diplomatic representation in Syria, the Hungarian foreign ministry's press office told Hungarian news service MTI in a statement. The statement said through its request, Canada has once again acknowledged Hungary as an important Transatlantic partner, and Hungary plans to fulfill the task to a high order, as before. A similar cooperation took place in Tripoli during the Libyan turmoil in 2011. "Hungary had fulfilled its diplomatic task to an excellent standard then," the statement said. Hungary represented EU citizens, as well as those of the United States, Canada and Croatia in the Libyan capital. Canada closed its embassy in Syria on Monday and implemented sanctions against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. Foreign Minister of Canada John Baird said the decision was in response to a worsened security situation in the country. Canadian diplomats have already left Syria and Canadian citizens were offered assistance to leave between December 15 and January 14. Those who chose to stay in Syria can turn to the Hungarian embassy in Damascus for help in emergencies. The Syrian government's violence against civilians in thwarting anti-government protests and a nation-wide uprising have claimed over 7,600 lives so far, according to United Nations estimates.