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<title>AXWORTHY CONCERNED BY STATEMENTS OF IRANIAN OPPOSITION GROUP </title>
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<p><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">June 15, 1998 No. 159</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">AXWORTHY CONCERNED BY STATEMENTS OF IRANIAN
OPPOSITION GROUP </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed deep concern at
statements made recently by the Mujahedin e Khalq Organization (MKO), an Iranian
opposition group that espouses violence in pursuit of its cause. The MKO said
that it intends to step up its international activities against the government of
Iran.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada finds these threats completely unacceptable. We condemn terrorism,
whatever the source," said Mr Axworthy. "We will not tolerate any actions
directed against the legitimate interests of other countries, or their accredited
representatives, on Canadian soil."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The latest threats come in the wake of a recent bombing of a courthouse in
Teheran, which resulted in fatalities and for which the MKO claimed
responsibility.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Known members of the MKO are not permitted to enter Canada.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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