Prior to 1955, the Canadian Consulate and Commercial Affairs in Iran were handled by the British Embassy. Foreign relations and diplomatic relations between Canada and Iran began with the establishment of an Iran mission in Ottawa in 1956, and the Canadian mission in Tehran in 1959. The Canadian mission was granted embassy status in 1961.
The most important events occurred during the 1979 Iranian revolution, when the Canadian embassy hid six American diplomats after a forced takeover of the US embassy. The Canadian government plays a key role in regulating the departure of these diplomats unnoticed by officials. In January 1980, America was secretly smuggled out of Iran using a Canadian passport. In parallel, all Canadian diplomats go to avoid retaliation from the Iranian regime.
As of September 2012, there is no official diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Canada . Canadian consular and passport services are provided through other Canadian diplomatic missions in other countries in the Middle East while Iran maintains a vested interest in the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The government, headed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who took office in 2015, is reported to have reviewed relations with Iran and, like most countries, lifted most of the economic sanctions following Iran's nuclear deal in July 2015.
Video Canada-Iran relations
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Formal relations between the two countries continued from 1955 to 1980. When the Iranian Revolution of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini pushed the Shah from the country in 1979, the Canadian Embassy rushed to evacuate 850 Canadian workers in Iran while embassy staff remained. Six American diplomats took shelter at the Canadian embassy after Iranian student demonstrators stormed the US embassy, ​​and the Canadian government, in coordination with the Central Intelligence Agency, safely evacuated them from the country using a Canadian passport with a forged Iran visa. This secret rescue is known as the "Canadian Caper", and while improving Canada's relationship with the United States, the Canadian-Iranian relationship becomes more volatile. Embassy staff were immediately evacuated for fear of retaliation against Canadians, and the embassy closed in 1980.
Because of the rocky relationship after the Iranian Revolution, Iran did not establish an embassy in Canada until 1991. His staff, who had lived in a building on Roosevelt Avenue in the western tip of Ottawa, moved to 245 Metcalfe Street in the Ottawa Centretown neighborhood, and the mission was upgraded to embassy status. In Tehran, the Canadian Embassy is located at 57 Jalan Shahid Sarafaz and Ostad Motahari Avenue. The mission is managed by a lawyer and not a full ambassador.
Maps Canada-Iran relations
The resumption of diplomatic relations
From 1980 to 1988, Canada and Iran did not have normal diplomatic relations, although the relationship was not formally terminated. The Canadian government is reluctant to reopen the embassy, ​​both because of its history, and given the history of the Iranian government about the abduction and torture of diplomats. In 1988, the two governments agreed to continue diplomatic relations at a low level, and the Canadian embassy in Tehran reopened. Nations officially exchanged ambassadors in 1996. Canada's concern over human rights abuses in Iran, its record of nuclear non-proliferation, Holocaust denial and threats to destroy Israel, and its active opposition to the Middle East peace process led to a "controlled" engagement "by Canadian diplomats The bilateral relationship is limited, such as preventing direct air links between the two countries or the opening of the Iranian consulate and cultural center in Canada (other than the embassy in Ottawa).Canada also continues to express its concern about human rights in Iran, and in particular, issues such as judicial independence, arbitrary detention, freedom of expression, treatment of women and treatment of persons belonging to religious and ethnic minorities, including Iran, the remaining small Jewish community, and members of the BahÃÆ'¡'ÃÆ' Faith.
Zahra Kazemi
Relations between Canada and Iran deteriorated drastically in June 2003 when Zahra Kazemi, an Iranian-Canadian freelance photographer from Montreal, was arrested while taking pictures outside prison in Tehran during student protests. Three weeks later, he was killed while in custody.
The Iranian authorities insist that his death was an accident, claiming that he died of a stroke while being interrogated. However, Shahram Azam, a former doctor of military staff, stated that he examined Kazemi's body and observed clear signs of torture, including skull fractures, broken noses, signs of rape and severe bruising. This information was revealed in the case of Azam to seek asylum in Canada in 2004
Kazemi's death in Iranian custody attracted widespread international attention. Because of the common citizenship and circumstances of his death, the tragedy produced considerable protests. In November 2003, Canadian Journalist for Free Expression honored Kazemi with Tara Singh Hayer Award in recognition of her courage in defending the right to freedom of expression.
Canada drafted a UN resolution to condemn human rights violations in Iran, expressing concern over Iran's use of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment, in particular amputation and whipping practices. In response and to shift focus, Gholamhossein Elham, an Iranian court spokesman, responded by claiming, "The Canadian government has the worst, most underdeveloped and racist judicial system." Iran further accused a Canadian police officer of shooting 18-year-old Kayvan Tabesh on July 14 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Police officers claimed to be defending after a teenager allegedly charged him with a machete. Iran also presents a 70-page report before the adoption of the resolution, detailing alleged human rights abuses in Canada in an attempt to discredit key supporters of the resolution.
In another incident, a leading Canadian-Canadian blogger, Hossein Derakhshan, was detained by police in Tehran in 2008 over comments he made about Shi'ism, according to the Iranian Court.
"Controlled engagement" and UN 1737 Resolution
On May 17, 2005, Canada tightened its controlled engagement policy by limiting talks with Iran to four subjects:
- The situation of human rights in Iran;
- Iran's nuclear program and its adherence to non-proliferation obligations;
- The case of Zahra Kazemi;
- The role of Iran in the region.
In October 2005, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave a speech at a conference entitled "The World Without Zionism". During his speech, he made comments widely interpreted as anti-Semitic by the Jewish community and the Western world at large. Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin summoned the Iranian ambassador in Canada and gave an official reprimand.
On 26 December 2006, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1737, demanding that Iran suspend its uranium enrichment program or face economic sanctions. On February 22, the Governor-in-Council drew up a new rule under the United Nations Act: Regulations Implementing the UN Resolution on Iran. Together with the relevant provisions of the Canadian Shipping Act, the Export and Import License Act, and the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, this provision allows Canada to impose economic sanctions against Iran as requested in resolution 1737. Such sanctions include prohibitions any trade that may contribute to Iran's activities in the enrichment, reprocessing of heavy water, or the development of a nuclear weapons delivery system. The rules also relate to asset freezes and travel notifications by Iranian officials in Canada.
In June, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told the Islamic Republic News Agency that Canada "hid some spies at their embassy in Tehran and let them escape". Mottaki told IRNA that he warned his Canadian colleague at the UN General Assembly in 2005 that "Canada should be aware of its limits and realize which country it is facing." On November 30, 2006, the conservative-dominated parliament in Iran accused the Canadian embassy of being a "hotbed of spy" for the United States and launched an investigation to investigate. Iranian lawmakers met with Iranian Intelligence Minister Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejeie to discuss the allegations.
In 2007, movements to warm relations between the two countries took place with the Supreme Court in Iran calling for a review of Zahra Kazemi's death, and efforts to re-exchange ambassadors. Canada rejected two Iranian candidates after Canadian intelligence suggested they might be involved with a radical student uprising that invaded the US embassy in 1979. Iran subsequently refused to review the mandate of Canadian candidate John Mundy, the act by Canadian Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier claimed as "retaliation for rejection Ottawa on Iran's top choice ". He was then expelled from Tehran.
Economic sanctions
In 2010, amendments to the Special Economic Act of 2004 restricted financial transactions and economic activity between Canada and Iran that were considered beneficial to the Iranian government. In response to the Act, Toronto-Dominion Bank closed a number of Iran-Canada customer accounts to comply with sanctions.
After imposing trade sanctions in 2012, Foreign Minister John Baird imposed an additional ban and suspended all remaining trade with Iran. This occurs when bilateral trade is worth about C $ 135 million ($ 130 million USD). It was imposed as a protest of Tehran's nuclear ambitions and human rights record. Baird was quoted as saying, "The lack of progress... led Canada to effectively ban all imports and exports immediately from Iran". Canadian Statistics for 2012 reveals exports to Iran are worth about C $ 95 million, mostly consisting of grains, oilseeds, and fruits, as well as chemical products, and machinery. Iran's exports reached C $ 40 million, with the most common fruits, nuts, and textiles. Baird conveyed his message to a consenting audience in Washington at the annual conference of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee. Baird won a standing ovation to reiterate the government's view that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons is the most dangerous threat to global security.
While Baird's premise is to increase pressure on him until his government surrenders or collapses, the United States, Britain, France and Germany take a different approach. They are committed to negotiating with the current Iranian government, and are willing to accommodate legitimate Iranian interests. Their goal is to resolve the nuclear issue, reintegrate Iran into the international economy, and support Iran's reforms. Their approach is entirely consistent with support for Iran's human rights. In 2003, after years of patient negotiations between Iran and the European Union, Iran approved of all this and also made direct directives to the United States. The agreement lasted until 2005, when Ayatollah Khamenei became convinced that Europe was negotiating in bad faith and acting only for the United States, which remained unfriendly.
closing of the 2012 embassy
On 7 September 2012 (at APEC Russia 2012 summit), Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird announced that Canada violated diplomatic ties with Iran. Canada broke off diplomatic ties with Iran and closed its embassy in Tehran, citing Iranian material support to Assad's regime during the Syrian Civil War, disobedience to UN resolutions on its nuclear program, ongoing threats to Israel, and fear of security for Canadian diplomats following an attack on the British embassy in Iran which violates the Vienna Convention. In addition, Canada formally incorporates the Iranian regime as a sponsor of a terrorism state under the Justice Act for Victims of Terrorism. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade recommends all Canadians not to travel to Iran. Consular services will be guaranteed by the Canadian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey and the Emergency Response Center and the Department's Emergency Response. Ten Canadian diplomats have left Iran when Canada announces the closure of its embassy. This step is another step by Canada to isolate Iran in addition to economic sanctions. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was quoted as saying that the Iranian government is "clear, a clear and present danger," and that "the appeal of our conscience requires us to speak out against what the Iranian regime is striving for." Calling Iran "the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world" - Canada's Foreign Affairs Office issued a statement complaining of Iran. According to BBC World Service 2012 poll, only 9% of Canadians see Iran's influence positively, with 81% expressing a negative outlook. In the Calgary Herald, Baird clarified that he "views the Iranian government as the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today." "The Canadian embassy in Tehran remains closed, and the Iranian diplomats declared persona non gratae ordered them to leave Canada within five days James George, who served as Canadian ambassador to Iran between 1972 and 1977, criticized Baird , saying "It's stupid to close the embassy in a situation like this."
Following the announcement of the Canadian closure, a Persian note was posted at the door of the Iranian embassy in Ottawa that noted: "Due to a hostile decision by the Canadian government, the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ottawa is closed and has no choice but to stop providing consular services to the beloved citizens. "
Reactions
Ramin Mehmanparast, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry described this development as a "hostile" act of "racist government in Canada", which follows "the pursuit of policies dictated by Zionists and the British." In addition, the ministry described Canada's decision as "abuse of international law" and alleges that the government of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is known for "extremist and failed policies." The ministry also said Canada was "a threat to international security and stability." A senior Iranian lawmaker, Speaker of the Majlis Majlis (parliament) Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy Alaeddin Boroujerdi, alleges that "Canada is under the control of Britain, the 'governor' appointed by the queen of England," and that Canada is "blindly" follow the UK.
On September 26, 2012, Iran's Foreign Ministry advised all Iranians not to travel to Canada due to rising Islamophobia and Iranophobia. Furthermore, the ministry said that it has become a case of arrest and expulsion of Iranian expatriates under various pretexts and Iranians are depriving their basic rights to continue their regular activities, including the right to access their banking accounts and conduct ordinary transactions and that Iranians are killed but was not investigated significantly by Canadian police.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Canada for the decision, calling it a "bold, moral step" that sends a message to the international community that it can not allow "a dark regime in Iran to acquire nuclear weapons." Netanyahu called on other members of the international community to follow Canada's lead and "set the moral and practical red line" to Iran.
On September 17, 2012, Canadian interests in Iran are represented by the Italian Embassy in Tehran. On October 22, 2013, Oman agrees to serve Iran's interests in Canada at its embassy in Ottawa after providing service (July 2012 - October 2013) to the UK.
Relationships under Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister said in the first month of October 2015 elections that he has plans to restore ties between the two countries, after Iran's nuclear deal, in which the outgoing Harper government has been strongly opposed.
Recent developments
Following the implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan agreement on January 16, 2016 by Iran and P5 1, Canadian Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland announced on 5 February 2016 that it would revoke economic sanctions against Iran, which would allow Canadian companies to do business. with Iran but will maintain export restrictions related to nuclear goods and technology and anything that could help Iran develop ballistic missiles. It also includes a list of individuals and companies that have associations with the Iranian government. In 2013 alone, the Canadian government (under Stephen Harper) has imposed a complete trade embargo on Iran and economic sanctions as well as a travel ban against 78 individuals and 508 companies and organizations.
Canadian foreign minister StÃÆ'Â © phane Dion has also supported the lifting of Canada's economic sanctions but voiced concern about Iran's role in the Middle East, its impasse with Israel, its ballistic missile program and its increasingly deteriorating human rights record. In a March 2016 speech at the University of Ottawa, Dion said that severing diplomatic ties with Iran "has no positive consequences for anyone" - not for Canada, not for Iran, not for Israel and not for global security. He has also made a call to re-engage with Iran in order to "play a useful role in the world's territory".
See also
- Canadian Iran
- Protect power
- Iran-United States Relations
- Iran-United Kingdom relationship
References
External links
- Canadian-Iranian Relations - Canadian Government
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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