Canada Moves to Expel Eritrean Diplomat

OTTAWA, Canada, May 29, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada has taken steps to expel (declare persona non grata) Mr. Semere Ghebremariam O. Micael, consul and head of the Eritrean Consulate General in Toronto, effective immediately. Mr. O. Micael must leave Canada no later than noon Eastern time on June 5, 2013.

“Today's actions speak for themselves.”

Canada has repeatedly made clear to Eritrea to respect international sanctions and Canadian law. The Eritrean government is welcome to propose another candidate to represent it in Canada, but that person must be prepared to play by the rules. Our resolve on this matter should not be further tested.