Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi, has reacted strongly to a motion in the Canadian parliament which describes Iran as an "undesirable actor with whom all contacts should be severed". Ghasemi said this is a strategic blunder by the Canadian government and the Canadian parliament , and would adversely affect relations between Tehran and Ottawa if it becomes law. Ghasemi forthrightly condemned the anti-Iran motion in the Canadian parliament, saying it was unconstructive, hostile, and likely to cause serious damage to relations between the two countries.
The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said the fact that such a motion has been passed by Canada’s House Of Commons shows how ill-informed and ignorant Canadian parliamentarians are with regards to logical and reasonable Iranian government policies, particularly with regards to the "scourge of terrorism", and Iran's role in combating terrorism. Ghasemi added: "Members of Canada's parliament do not have a correct and accurate understanding of Iranian government stances and policies".
Elsewhere in his remarks, the foreign ministry spokesman said the Iranian nation has been a victim of terrorism, and in many cases terrorists who have attacked Iran have been armed, trained and supported by a number of "well-known Western countries". Ghasemi added: "With the growth of extremism and terrorism in the Middle East region in recent years, Iran has played a leading role in combating this scourge , and will continue to do so in the future. World public opinion will never accept slurs and baseless accusations against Iran, such as sponsoring of terrorism."
Ghasemi pointedly added: "The Canadian government should think carefully about the repercussions of such a motion, and not allow it to become law, because the damage to Tehran - Ottawa relations may be irreparable.
The government of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reversed Canada’s long-stated goal of improving relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, on Tuesday 12 June. Trudeau's government sided with an opposition motion in parliament demanding that Ottawa "immediately cease all negotiations or discussions" on restoring diplomatic relations with Iran.
The motion was introduced by a Conservative member of parliament Garnett Genuis, and made unsubstantiated accusations against Iran, such as "sponsoring terrorism around the world, including instigating violent attacks on the Gaza border".
