Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement one week on from the military coup in Thailand:

“Canada is profoundly concerned by recent serious and regrettable setbacks for democracy in Thailand. We urge Thailand’s coup leaders to abide by democratic principles, respect media and Internet freedom, and provide a credible road map for an early return to civilian representative government.

“We also call for the release of those detained—including elected officials, academics, journalists and human rights defenders—and for those accused to be tried in civilian courts in accordance with Thailand’s international human rights obligations.

“Canada values its long-standing friendship with Thailand, a friendship that underpins the countries’ important political and economic partnership. However, Canada is now reviewing the scope of its bilateral relations with Thailand during the period of military rule.”

src:news.gc.ca