From TheStar.com
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon has lashed out at Iran, condemning the country for ignoring the world’s pleas not to develop nuclear weapons and accusing it of stifling democracy with brute force.
“This regime continues to blatantly ignore its global obligation and it threatens as well global security,” Cannon said after a meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Cai-Goran Alexander Stubb in Ottawa on Thursday.
Both men suggested the only message Iran may understand is serious UN economic sanctions over and above some measures Canada has already taken, including a ban on active trade promotion.
“Canada will continue to work with our allies to find strong and viable solutions, including sanctions, to hold Iran to account,” Cannon said.
He would not answer a question on whether Canada would support military action against Iran by the United States or Israel.
On the 31st anniversary of Iran’s Islamic revolution, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad confirmed Thursday the country is producing the first stock of highly enriched uranium – weapons grade – for civilian technical applications.
Cannon said Canada is “deeply disappointed” with Iran’s decision to further enrich its nuclear materials in defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“Canada and the international community will not accept the regime’s latest moves … Iran’s regime must suspend its enrichment activities and take immediate steps toward transparency and compliance,” he told reporters.
Cannon said Canada, which is host to the G8 and G20 this year, will use its G8 presidency to continue to push for sanctions on Iran.
Cannon also criticized Iran for “stifling democracy,” as well as its “blatant disregard for human rights and its threatening and irresponsible behaviour to regional and global stability.
“It is completely unacceptable in our view that the regime continues to use brute force and intimidation in responding to peaceful demonstrations,” he said.
Stubb said Finland strongly condemns Iran’s decision to close its eyes to international pressure and predicted economic sanctions are only days or weeks away.
“We are trying to establish sanctions which would not target the Iranian people but, of course, any time you put down sanctions, they are going to be hit quite hard,” he said, adding the world is “fed up” with Iran’s antics.
The United States said earlier this week it wants to consult with China and four other powers in a few days about Iran’s nuclear ambitions in a bid to narrow the gap with Beijing over the need for sanctions.
Cannon said, “the Prime Minister has indicated he will be looking at ways we can come together as the G8 host this year with our other partners to continue to push for sanctions on Iran.”