Clement and Kent: Conservatives “Highly Skeptical” of Iran’s Nuclear Intentions

Conservative Foreign Affairs Critic Tony Clement and Deputy Critic Peter Kent issued the following statement today in regards to ‘Implementation Day’ of the Iran Nuclear Deal:

“While we are hopeful that Iran lives up to the commitments it has made to the international community, including the P5+1 and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), we remain highly skeptical of Iran’s real intentions when it comes to its nuclear program. The regime in Tehran has said many things about their nuclear program, but we will judge them by their actions, not their words.”

“The fact is that while sanctions are being removed on Iran’s nuclear program, President Obama just imposed more sanctions on Iran’s Ballistic Missile program after it was found to have violated a key UN Security Council resolution. Will the Liberal government follow suit?”

“The reality of dealing with a country that is currently listed in Canada as a state-sponsor of terror and which creates and foments terrorism across the Middle East through groups like the IRGC and Hezbollah, is that it simply is not trustworthy.”

‎”We also note that while President Rouhani can make all sorts of commitments, the real power in Iran lies with the Supreme Leader, who continues to sabre-rattle and make highly concerning statements about any negotiations.”

“Iran’s constant threat to the peace and security of the State of Israel is also highly concerning to our party. As we have said in the past, we stand with our friends in Israel and we will continue to reiterate that position.”

“While many, including Liberal Minister Dion are celebrating today’s ‘Implementation Day’, we remember all those who have been murdered or harmed by the Iranian regime’s complete disregard for human rights. Thousands of opponents of the regime, as well as religious minorities, gays and lesbians, and others have been a victim of the policies of an evil regime. Our thoughts are with them as well today.”

‎”Finally, Prime Minister Trudeau’s comments during the election about engaging with Iran, including reopening a Canadian Embassy, remain a concern. The security and safety of Canadian diplomats has to be at the forefront of the government’s priorities. Iran’s past disregard for the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, its invasion of the UK Embassy, the burning of the Saudi embassy and its targeting of diplomats abroad are all issues on which the Liberal Party has remained silent.”