I just want to clarify that Canadian parliamentarians, if calling for sanctions, would not be alone. The ambassador referred to “like-minded allies”. I want to suggest to you that the like-minded allies are parliamentarians around the world. I would refer you, for example, to the European Parliament's motion earlier this month, which passed with 491 votes in favour and nine against, calling for sanctions. Now, that's the European Parliament, not the executive of the European Union, but to be clear, there are calls for sanctions outside Canada amongst parliamentarians, including within Congress.
I would also suggest that the sanctions would have more than a symbolic effect. They would have a potentially galvanizing effect, but most importantly, they would suggest to the Aliyev regime that they cannot simply be emboldened to continue breaching international law and international agreements, as they will.
Thank you.