The Iranian Threat - Canada Severs Relations with Iran Citing Safety, Threats to Israel, and Syria Complicity

Canada has closed its embassy in Iran and expelled Iranian diplomats in Canada.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird just announced that he feared for the safety of diplomats in Tehran following recent attacks on the British embassy in the Iran. "Under the circumstances, Canada can no longer maintain a diplomatic presence in Iran,? Baird said Friday. ?Our diplomats serve Canada as civilians and their safety is our No. 1 priority."

Baird added that Tehran's support for Syrian president Bashar Assad, Iran?s refusal to comply with the UN?s resolutions on its nuclear program and its regular threats to Israel make it a significant threat to global peace. ?It is among the world?s worst violators of human rights; and it shelters and materially supports terrorist groups,? said Baird in the far-reaching statement. Baird adeed, ?Moreover, the Iranian regime has shown blatant disregard for the Vienna Convention and its guarantee of protection for diplomatic personnel.?

The Foreign Affairs minister confirmed all Canadian diplomatic personanle have "fled the country." Likewise, Iranian diplomats in Ottawa have been instructed to leave within five days. At the same time, Canada's Foreign Affairs and International Trade issued an advisory against all travel to Iran.

?Because of heightened regional tensions, Canadians travellers in Iran will be closely watched by Iranian authorities,? reads a statement on the department?s website. ?Iranian irritation at the recent Embassy closure may heighten this scrutiny of Canadians.? Moreover, Canadian citizens already in Iran were warned against using cameras in public places, travelling beyond well-established tourist areas, and even against casual interactions with Iranians as these could lead to an investigation and harassment. ?Canadian travellers may be arbitrarily questioned, arrested and detained for a long period,? the statement reads.

Callers to the Canadian consulate in Iran are being directed to its embassy in Turkey.

Source: http://www.thecuttingedgenews.com//index.php?article=75830

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