Libya's weapons must be safeguarded, Baird says

Beginning of Story Content Canada must help Libya make sure its weapons of mass destruction don't get into the wrong hands, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said Friday. Speaking to CBC News from Paris the day after an international meeting on Libya's future, Baird said there are a number of fronts Canada can help with. Libyan rebels hauled off crates of weapons and trucks with guns mounted on the back after making their way into leader Moammar Gadhafi's <a href="http://www.cheapuggs-shop.com/classic-argyle-knit-c-239.html"><strong>ugg coquette</strong></a> Tripoli compound on Aug. 23. (Francois Mori/Associated Press)One way, he said, "is to ensure that the weapons of mass destruction are safeguarded and don't get into the wrong hands." "There's significant stockpiles of mustard gas and other chemical weapons that have been secure for a number of years, but we want to make sure they don't fall into the wrong hands," Baird said. "So there's another area where we can help demilitarize a country so hopefully it'll have a peaceful future." Canada is willing to work with the new Libyan government to promote democracy and the rule of law, write a constitution and train civil society members and police, as well as build capacity, Baird said. But it's important for the UN to lift its sanctions so the new government <a href="http://www.hairstraightenersghds-sale.com/ghd-new-wave-limited-p-5733.html"><strong>ghd gift sets</strong></a> can access Libyan assets, he said. "We pressed hard for that yesterday. Obviously, the new government in Libya has to pay the salaries of police officers. Some of them in Benghazi [the rebel stronghold] haven't been paid in as many as six months," Baird said. "The school year is starting so they'll have to pay teachers. They'll have to pay for the electricity, for the water systems, all the other public services that are essential to a stable and free society. So we're urging them to do it as expeditiously as possible and putting our weight behind others who are making similar calls." Canada's military mission is due to end in Libya on Sept. 27. This week, Baird and Prime Minister Stephen Harper hinted it could go on longer, saying the goal of keeping civilians safe isn't done yet and Canada will continue as long as NATO is there. Accessibility <a href="http://www.cheapuggs-shop.com/"><strong>ugg shop</strong></a> Links