OTTAWA – The Liberal plan to lift sanctions against Iran is irresponsible, and the government must inform Canadians of the exact details of this significant shift in policy as soon as possible, says Official Opposition foreign affairs critic Tony Clement. Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion said today that Canada will lift the sanctions in a “speedy fashion.”
“Canada’s sanctions against Iran are entirely legitimate and remain necessary,” Clement said. “The Liberals have their priorities completely backwards. It should fall to the Islamic Republic of Iran to work harder to regain the respect of Canada and the entire international community.”
“The regime in Iran continues to support terrorism as a state policy, and has been listed as such under Canada’s Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act. It props up the murderous Assad regime in Syria. Its Supreme Leader, Sayyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, has consistently called for the destruction of Israel. These are not mere disagreements. These are deeply-rooted and fundamental differences that run contrary to the values of Canadians,” said Clement.
“Instead of continuing to pressure Iran to fully comply with United Nations resolutions in relation to its ballistic missile program, and account for its abysmal record of human rights abuses against its own people, including women and religious minorities, the Liberals are giving Iran a free pass by dropping these sanctions.”
Regarding the potential Canadian business opportunities resulting from sanctions being lifted, Clement added that there are plenty of countries with whom business opportunities exist that are not state sponsors of terror. He also encouraged that the Government of Canada work with our allies and partners to restrict the move to lift sanctions, and not help lead the way.
