Canada to continue sanctions against Iran

Canada will continue its tough sanctions against Iran despite Tehran’s recent agreement to curb some of its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird said. Iran and six major countries, Britain, France, Russia, China, the United States and Germany (P5+1) reached a first-step agreement on Iran’s nuclear program on Sunday. Baird told a news conference the agreement cannot be abused or undermined by deception, and said the sanctions have been effective in making Iran present a more moderate front and opened the door to negotiations. “The Iranian people deserve the freedom and prosperity that they have been denied for too long by the regime’s nuclear ambitions,” he said. “Until then, Canadian sanctions will remain tough, and in full force.” “We will evaluate the deal not just on the merits of its words, but more importantly on its verifiable implementation and unfettered access of all Iranian nuclear facilities.” he added. Canada suspended diplomatic relations with Iran on September 7, 2012, and has implemented a series of sweeping and stringent economic sanctions against the country, expanding those imposed by the United Nations Security Council and other countries in a bid to compel Iran to engage in talks with the international community. Canada’s sanctions include restrictions on financial transactions, a ban on bilateral trade, worth about 135 million U.S. dollars , and no Iranian diplomatic representation in Canada, among others.