Close X
Friday, January 10, 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

    Brain drain, staff cuts, red tape blamed for dysfunctional DND purchasing

    Brain drain, staff cuts, red tape blamed for dysfunctional DND purchasing
    OTTAWA — A new study looking at Canada's politically charged military procurement system suggests the Harper government's own policies have contributed to the dysfunction and delay.

    Brain drain, staff cuts, red tape blamed for dysfunctional DND purchasing

    Criminal charges dropped against Vincent Damphousse's ex-wife, ending legal saga

    Criminal charges dropped against Vincent Damphousse's ex-wife, ending legal saga
    MONTREAL — The Crown has withdrawn assault charges against the ex-wife of retired NHL star Vincent Damphousse.

    Criminal charges dropped against Vincent Damphousse's ex-wife, ending legal saga

    Dalhousie University says it will comply with police request for Facebook posts

    Dalhousie University says it will comply with police request for Facebook posts
    HALIFAX — Dalhousie University says it will comply with any police requests to provide copies of Facebook postings of sexually violent comments that male dentistry students are alleged to have made about their female classmates.

    Dalhousie University says it will comply with police request for Facebook posts

    Fossil in Prince Edward Island that of 300-million-year-old reptile species

    Fossil in Prince Edward Island that of 300-million-year-old reptile species
    A Nova Scotia researcher says a fossil found by a boy on Prince Edward Island more than a decade ago is that of a new species of reptile that lived about 300 million years ago.

    Fossil in Prince Edward Island that of 300-million-year-old reptile species

    Hockey legend Guy Lafleur says Crown and cops humiliated him and his family

    Hockey legend Guy Lafleur says Crown and cops humiliated him and his family
    MONTREAL — Former Canadiens superstar Guy Lafleur told a court Tuesday that he felt horrible and humiliated after being served with an arrest warrant in 2008.

    Hockey legend Guy Lafleur says Crown and cops humiliated him and his family

    Alberta premier Prentice considers sales tax to fix ailing, oil-based economy

    Alberta premier Prentice considers sales tax to fix ailing, oil-based economy
    EDMONTON — Alberta's prideful boast of being the only jurisdiction in Canada without a provincial sales tax may soon be history.

    Alberta premier Prentice considers sales tax to fix ailing, oil-based economy