Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today issued the following statement regarding the situation in Libya and the temporary withdrawal of Canadian staff from that country:

“The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of our diplomats abroad very seriously. Due to operational challenges, including the unpredictable security environment in Tripoli, we have authorized the temporary suspension of operations at our office in Tripoli.

“Canada’s chargé d’affaires and Canadian diplomats in Tripoli will temporarily work out of the Canadian embassy in Tunisia until appropriate measures are put in place to respond to the changing operational environment.

“This decision is solely due to concerns about the security of our personnel and has no connection with our continuing and long-standing diplomatic relations with Libya. Canada remains committed to supporting Libya’s democratic transition, and we urge all parties to stop the violence and resolve their differences by peaceful and democratic means.”

Canadians in Libya seeking routine consular and passport services should contact the Embassy of Canada in Tunis, Tunisia at +(216) 70-010-200. Those who require emergency consular assistance may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa directly at +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted) or by emailing sos@international.gc.ca.

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada has advised against all travel to Libya since June 1, 2014.

src:news.gc.ca