Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada at an emergency
meeting on Libya  Paris, France 19 March 2011  Prime Minister
Stephen Harper made the following remarks at an emergency
meeting on Libya:  “First, I should like to thank President
Sarkozy for convening this important and historic meeting.  “We
have gathered here, leaders and representatives from North
America and Europe, and the Arab League, because the embattled
people of Libya have challenged us.  “Do we believe in freedom,
or do we just say we believe in freedom?  “Earlier this week,
the UN Security Council gave its answer.  “On Thursday, it
passed a resolution authorizing additional sanctions and a no-
fly zone to prevent the regime from bombing its own citizens.
“To enforce this resolution, Canadian aircraft and HMCS
Charlottetown have joined an international force assembling in
the region.  “Faced with the threat of military action, the
regime proclaimed a ceasefire.   “Canada has said, and leaders
have agreed, that we must act urgently.