AJC Applauds Canadian Trade Sanctions on Iran

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May 30, 2013, 04:17 ET

NEW YORK, May 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC applauds Canada's decision to cut off nearly all trade with Iran.

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"Once again, Canada has demonstrated the leadership to act on principle in taking bold steps to confront the very real threat of an Iran capable of developing nuclear weapons," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "As the Wall Street Journal reported today, Canada has 'gone further than any other Western nation in imposing trade-related penalties' against Iran, to which we say, 'Bravo.'"

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird explained the move as a response to Tehran's steadfast refusal to acknowledge the findings of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has periodically reported that Iran continues to enrich uranium for nuclear purposes. He also cited the regime's "abhorrent human rights record."

"We are compelled to take further actions against this reckless and irresponsible regime," said Baird, stressing that Iran has offered only "false promises and empty gestures" regarding its nuclear program.

Baird expressed similar concerns about Iran's nuclear program in his stirring address to the AJC 2012 Global Forum. AJC has long urged ever stronger international measures against Iran in response to Tehran's defiance of the IAEA and UN Security Council resolutions.

Canada's latest trade sanctions exempt only food, medicine, medical equipment, and humanitarian goods.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee