Close X
Thursday, January 16, 2025
ADVT 
National

Baird declines invite for special Syria meeting at Davos that includes Iran

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Jan, 2015 02:18 PM

    OTTAWA — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird plans to take a pass on this week's high-level meeting, chaired by his Norwegian counterpart, on the future of Syria at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

    However, Baird will attend separate sessions Thursday on the crisis in Ukraine and a meeting focused on the instability being caused by militants in Iraq and Syria.

    The details are contained in a copy of Baird's updated itinerary obtained by The Canadian Press.

    Baird was among two dozen international figures invited to what was billed as a make-or-break discussion on Syria, along with representatives from Iraq, Jordan, France, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and the League of Arab States.

    Also on the guest list is Iran's foreign minister. Canada has severed relations with Iran, a country that's often a target for criticism from Baird.

    Baird's office won't discuss the details of his four days in Davos, but his itinerary says he will have roundtable discussions with some unnamed chief executives while the Norway-led talks on Syria are taking place.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Alberta train crash highlights need for Ottawa to improve railway safety: TSB

    Alberta train crash highlights need for Ottawa to improve railway safety: TSB
    CALGARY — Investigators say a crash involving two freight trains in southern Alberta highlights the need for the federal government to improve railway safety standards.

    Alberta train crash highlights need for Ottawa to improve railway safety: TSB

    Robin Williams, World Cup, iPhone 6 are top Google Canada searches of 2014

    Robin Williams, World Cup, iPhone 6 are top Google Canada searches of 2014
    TORONTO — The death of a beloved actor, quadrennial sporting events, a new smartphone, and a deadly outbreak topped Google Canada's annual list of the most popular trending search queries.

    Robin Williams, World Cup, iPhone 6 are top Google Canada searches of 2014

    Canadian teacher's family says Jakarta court rejected bid to dismiss abuse case

    Canadian teacher's family says Jakarta court rejected bid to dismiss abuse case
    JAKARTA, Indonesia — The family of a Canadian teacher facing allegations he sexually abused a student at an international school in Indonesia says a court has rejected his bid to have the case against him dismissed.

    Canadian teacher's family says Jakarta court rejected bid to dismiss abuse case

    Rob Ford's tumour has shrunk in half after treatment, says ex-mayor's brother

    Rob Ford's tumour has shrunk in half after treatment, says ex-mayor's brother
    TORONTO — The brother of Rob Ford says the cancerous tumour the former Toronto mayor has been getting treatment for has shrunk in half.

    Rob Ford's tumour has shrunk in half after treatment, says ex-mayor's brother

    NDP MP Glenn Thibeault to be Liberal candidate in Ontario byelection

    NDP MP Glenn Thibeault to be Liberal candidate in Ontario byelection
    TORONTO — New Democrats reacted with anger Tuesday after one of their MPs announced he was leaving the party to run for the Ontario Liberals in a yet-to-be called provincial byelection.

    NDP MP Glenn Thibeault to be Liberal candidate in Ontario byelection

    Judge delivers instructions to jury in Eaton Centre shooting trial

    Judge delivers instructions to jury in Eaton Centre shooting trial
    TORONTO — The jury hearing the trial of a man accused in a deadly shooting at Toronto's Eaton Centre mall must decide if the mental disorder he was suffering was severe enough to render him incapable of appreciating his actions, a judge instructed Tuesday.

    Judge delivers instructions to jury in Eaton Centre shooting trial