Posted on 05/23/2005 9:17:35 PM PDT by nuconvert
Majlis committee calls for ban on Canadians visiting Iran
May 23, 2005
Tehran Times Political Desk TEHRAN In a statement on Sunday the Majlis Foreign Relations Committee condemned the Canadian foreign minister for his recent offensive remarks against the Islamic Republic.
The committee urged the Foreign Ministry to pursue the issue and called for banning Canadian nationals from visiting Iran.
Canadas Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew said this week that his country will further limit diplomatic contacts with Iran to back demands for justice in the case of the late Iranian-Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi, according to the Associated Press.
"We have decided to constrain our bilateral relations with Iran until Iranian authorities are prepared to deal with this affair in a serious and credible manner," Pettigrew said.
Canada is shedding crocodile tears for the death of Zahra Kazemi, who was previously convicted by Iran, although the Iranian Judiciary is firmly pursuing the issue of her death, the Majlis committee added in the statement.
Asefi urges Canada to avoid misusing Iran cooperation
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi also on Sunday said the Kazemi case is a internal issue and Canada should avoid misusing Iran's cooperation in this regard, IRNA reported.
"Canada should not use the issue of justice as a pretext for its own factional interests because such measures will bear no fruit.
"They have to change their behavior and know that Iran will not succumb to their pressure," Asefi said in response to a question on recent remarks by Canadian officials on Kazemi's case and the country's decision to impose limitations on ties with Iran.
The 54-year-old journalist died in 2003 because of a fractured skull.
The journalist, working for Canadian Camera Press journal, was arrested in June 2003 while illegally taking pictures from Evin prison in Tehran. Several days later, she was pronounced dead.
Great Point! Iranians outside of Iran are also outside of the mullah's oppressive grip. It is their stories and opinions that will guide the international community to a solution. They must partner with democratic states to develop a viable plan that will put a stop to the petro-funding of the terrorist oligarchy ruling Iran today. Without their full cooperation with each other and their democratic representatives, Iranians outside of Iran will find themselves cursing the mullahs 25 years from now. It is the duty of Iranians outside of Iran to deliver these choices you are referring to, to their official representatives.
We know what their reps will choose... elected officials will choose freedom over tyranny every time!
Other than missionaries and aid workers,who would want to visit Iran anyway?
"who would want to visit Iran anyway?"
How old are you? It's a beautiful country rich in history.
That's like asking, who would want to visit ancient Greece ?
Greece unlike Iran does not have a totalitarian government that would kill citizens and not give a damn about it. It's not a matter of the beauty of the country, it's a matter of which type of government is running the country.
Though the gov't sucks, people from all over the world visit Iran. It's still a beautiful country, steeped in ancient history, where the people are known for their hospitality.
So, to answer your question, "who would want to visit Iran?" Lots of people.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.