NEWS RELEASES
July 14, 2004 (7:45 p.m. EDT) No. 77
CANADA RECALLS AMBASSADOR TO IRAN
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today recalled Canada’s Ambassador to Iran for
consultations. The recall follows official Iranian statements that Canadian observers
would be barred from the trial of the person accused in the murder of Zahra Kazemi.
Minister Graham has also called in Ambassador Mohammad Moussavi, the Iranian
representative in Canada.
Minister Graham also offered the following statement:
“Iran’s refusal to allow Canadian observers at the trial is unacceptable.
“Last fall, we received assurances from Iranian Foreign Minister Kharrazi and from
judiciary officials that Canada would be granted three seats to observe the trial. It has
become clear that this promise will not be kept, despite our vigorous representations for
Iran to reconsider its decision.
“Mrs. Kazemi was a Canadian citizen who had been living and working in Canada for at
least 10 years. This is clearly not a purely domestic matter for Iran to dispose of as it
pleases.
“Canada is not asking for standing in the courtroom. We are requesting observer status,
consistent with international standards of open, transparent justice, and consistent with
our interest in the well-being of our citizens.
“Even Iranian President Khatami himself has today raised questions about this trial.
Barring Canadian observers can only cast a shadow on the credibility of the process.
An outside presence is important to ensure that justice is seen to be rendered.
“The trial into Mrs. Kazemi’s murder is not simply a bilateral question. It reflects the
types of profound concerns that the broad international community has about Iran’s
human rights performance. A closed trial will demonstrate to the international
community that serious shortcomings persist in Iran’s human rights performance—even
after the UN General Assembly resolution, sponsored by Canada, on this question last
fall.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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