NEWS RELEASES
August 5, 2005 (4:15 p.m. EDT)
No. 141
MINISTER PETTIGREW CALLS ON NEW IRANIAN GOVERNMENT TO
BREAK WITH PAST OFFENCES
Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today expressed concern over Iran’s human
rights situation and its intention to resume uranium conversion at its facility in Isfahan
as the country’s new president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, assumes office:
“As Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad assumes the office of President of the Islamic Republic
of Iran and appoints his new government, we call on Iran to turn words into action and
honour its commitments to both its people and the international community.
“We are extremely concerned over the deterioration of the human rights situation in Iran
as underlined in a recent report on Iran’s judicial system by Tehran’s Chief Justice. We
deplore Iran’s continued refusal to reopen the investigation into the brutal murder of
Zahra Kazemi. We protest the recent arrest of lawyer Abdolfattah Soltani, following his
July 25, 2005, court appearance on behalf of the Kazemi family, and we call for his
immediate release. Likewise, we protest the incarceration of respected journalist
Akbar Ganji and call for his immediate and unconditional release. We condemn the
recent hanging of two teenagers and encourage Iran to respect its obligations as a
signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We further call attention to
the persecution of minorities in Iran, including members of the Baha’i faith.
“As no real improvement in Iran’s human rights conditions has been noted to date,
consultations have begun between Canada and its like-minded partners regarding a
possible new resolution on Iran’s human rights situation before the UN General
Assembly in the fall of 2005.
“Iran’s nuclear program also remains of great concern, especially its recent decision to
resume uranium conversion. Such action not only would violate Iran’s agreement with
the E3 nations to suspend such activities during negotiations, but would ignore
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors resolutions on Iran’s
nuclear program. We urge Iran to continue its negotiations for a long-term resolution of
this issue, and to participate constructively in the special IAEA Board of Governors
meeting next week. If this issue is not resolved, Canada sees no alternative but to
support referral of the matter to the UN Security Council.
“Only meaningful change by President Ahmadinejad’s new government on Iran’s
position on human rights and nuclear proliferation can lead to an improvement in our
relationship. Further to our announcement of May 17, 2005, the Government of Canada
will continue to limit contact with the Iranian government. We hope, however, that Iran’s
new president will usher in an era of change that will enable us to rebuild our
relationship.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
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