OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada has closed its embassy in Iran and will expel all Iranian diplomats in Canada within five days, Foreign Minister John Baird said on Friday, denouncing Tehran as the biggest threat to global security.
"Diplomatic relations between Canada and Iran have been suspended," Baird said.
He cited Iran's
nuclear program, its hostility toward Israel and Iranian military
assistance to the government of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria,
which is locked in civil war with rebels. He also said Iran was a state
sponsor of terrorism.
Canada's move was swiftly applauded by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has strongly warned of the danger of a growing threat from Iran.
Baird accused Iran
of showing blatant disregard for the safety of foreign diplomats.
"Canada views the government of Iran as the most significant threat to
global peace and security in the world today," he said in a statement.
"Under the
circumstances, Canada can no longer maintain a diplomatic presence in
Iran," he said, declaring that Iran had shown "blatant disregard" for
the Vienna Convention's guarantee of protection for diplomats.
Ottawa has long had poor relations with Iran, in part because of its enmity toward close Canadian ally Israel.
"I wish to congratulate (Canadian) Prime Minister Stephen Harper
who has made a bold leadership move that sends a clear message to Iran
and to the entire world," Netanyahu said in a statement from Jerusalem.
"The determination
shown by Canada is of great importance in order for the Iranians to
understand that they cannot go on with their race toward nuclear arms.
This practical step must set an example of international morality and
responsibility to the international community," he said.
