AJC Welcomes Canadian Foreign Minister's Frank Appraisal of Iranian Regime in UN Speech

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Oct 01, 2012, 06:31 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird's address to the UN General Assembly was "an honest, no-holds-barred appraisal of Iran's threat to global security and the need to stop its quest for nuclear weapons," said AJC Executive Director David Harris.

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Speaking on the last day of the two-week opening debate of the General Assembly's 67th annual session, Baird declared: "Today, the most significant threat to global peace and security remains the regime in Iran."

"Canada's principled foreign policy has been a guiding light and clarion call for international action," Harris added.

Canada broke off diplomatic relations with Iran last month, has formally listed the Iranian regime as a state sponsor of terrorism, and has imposed strong economic sanctions against Iran.

"A nuclear Iran would embolden an already reckless regime and perpetuate a destabilizing factor for not just an already fragile region but the entire planet," said Baird.

The foreign minister encouraged Iran to "negotiate in good faith" with the P5+1 group -- China, France, Germany, Russia, U.S. and United Kingdom. "Canada," he said, "urges Iran to comply with its international nuclear obligations and to cease sensitive enrichment activities."

Emphasizing the threatening nature of today's Iran without nuclear weapons, Baird pointed out that the regime "routinely threatens the existence of Israel, foments hatred against the Jewish people and incites genocide," supports terrorist groups, refuses to comply with UN Security Council resolutions on its nuclear program, and engages in the "widespread and massive repression of the human rights of its own people."

Foreign Minister Baird addressed the 2012 AJC Global Forum in Washington, D.C., in May. He was given a rousing standing ovation by the more than 1,600 delegates present for his staunch defense of democratic values, support for Israel, and steadfast opposition to Iran's nuclear ambitions.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee