The Centre Commends Government on Decision to Close Embassy in Iran

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Canada announced the immediate closure of Canada's Embassy in Iran and the expulsion of all Iranian diplomats from Canada within five days. In addition to concerns for the safety of Canada's diplomatic staff, the Government cited various reasons for the decision, including Iran's illegal nuclear program, human rights violations, support for terrorism, and genocidal statements against the state of Israel.

In response, Shimon Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:

"The Centre strongly applauds the principled stand articulated by Foreign Minister John Baird and the Canadian government. We believe the suspension of diplomatic relations with Iran and the listing of Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism is an appropriate Canadian response to the growing threat Iran represents to global security and stability.

"The deteriorating human rights situation domestically, the destructive role Iran is playing in Syria, the determination the regime has shown in its drive to acquire nuclear weapons in defiance of the international community, and its genocidal pronouncements regarding the Jewish state require the strongest of responses. We believe that the removal of Canadian personnel from Iran creates a window of opportunity for Canada to move towards listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity, consistent with Canada's designation of Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. Such a policy would further isolate Iran and together with the strictest enforcement of a comprehensive sanctions program will help ensure Canada exhausts all diplomatic and legal measures in confronting the regime."

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada.

SOURCE: Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

Steve McDonald
Associate Director, Communications
416-953-4417
[email protected]