Canada's Jewish Community Responds to Initial Agreement with Iran

OTTAWA, Nov. 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Yesterday, President Obama announced that P5+1 has signed an initial agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In exchange for significant sanctions relief, Iran will be required to take a number of steps that - if implemented - will pause aspects of its illegal nuclear program.

In response, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), issued the following statement:

"We applaud the P5+1 for its serious diplomatic efforts. Israelis, more than anyone, want a peaceful end to Iran's nuclear program.

"Canadians have every reason to maintain healthy scepticism regarding this deal, given Iran's track record of manipulating diplomacy and breaching signed agreements. Any pause to Iran's nuclear drive will only be successful if the next six months are used to reach a comprehensive agreement that permanently denies Iran nuclear weapons capability."

"Israel and others in the region have pointed to a number of serious deficiencies in this agreement. Just as intensive verification of Iran's actions will be required, we urge the P5+1 to address the concerns raised by Israel in the next round of negotiations. This is just the beginning of a process that will be tested in the months ahead. We caution the international community to remain vigilant in holding Iran accountable and ensuring that it retains the ability to apply additional pressures should Iran backtrack on its obligations."

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the non-partisan advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada.

SOURCE: Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

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