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June 15, 1998 No. 159

AXWORTHY CONCERNED BY STATEMENTS OF IRANIAN OPPOSITION GROUP

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.

"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."

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.

Known members of the MKO are not permitted to enter Canada.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca