The Canadian government announced an important decision on Friday to start lifting some its economic sanctions against Iran as it aims to reengage with the foreign nation.
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“The agreement will help strengthen Russian-Iranian ties on all directions of partnership”, the ministry said.
“Canada has therefore amended its broad-reaching autonomous sanctions against Iran to allow for a controlled economic re-engagement”.
The agreement simplifies and relaxes visa rules for Russian and Iranian businessmen, people participating in scientific, cultural, and creative activities, students, teachers, tourists, and other categories of travelers, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
“Canada today lifted some sanctions against Iran in conformity with the agreement concluded by other countries and Iran”, Dion said.
Dion said he wants to re-open a dialogue with Iran, which effectively ended in 2012 when the Harper government severed relations, closed Canada’s embassy in Tehran and expelled Iranian diplomats.
Restoring diplomatic relations with Iran sends the wrong message, he added. Proceeding to the rise of President Hassan Rohani’s arrangement of engagement, Moscow utilized the Iranian card to secure special considerations from the U.S. and its allies.
The lawmakers also sought “unmonitored” meetings with Americans still jailed in Iran, and a briefing on recent ballistic missile tests which have prompted USA sanctions.
The UN Security Council approved the lifting of sanctions last month after confirming that Iran had complied with promises it made under an worldwide deal struck six months ago.
Foreign affairs critic Tony Clement said Iran still sponsors terrorism and remains a threat to Israel.
Canada’s exports to Iran peaked at Can$772 million (US$556 million) in 1997 and declined to Can$67 million (US$48 million) in 2014, comprising mostly food products exempt from sanctions. “They must be an actor for peace and non-violence, and they are not that way now”.
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“We’re going to be responsible about it. I understand the need and interest in Canadian businesses…to engage but we’re going to be doing it the right way because that’s what Canadians expect of us”, he said.
