It begins: Canada expels all iranian diplomats and closed its embassy in Iran

Canada closes embassy in Iran, expels Iranian diplomats
CBC News Posted: Sep 7, 2012 9:51 AM ET Last Updated: Sep 7, 2012 9:59 AM ET
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird says Canada has closed its embassy in Iran and is kicking out all Iranian diplomats in Canada. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press) Canada has suspended diplomatic relations with Iran and is expelling Iranian diplomats from Canada, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird announced in a statement today.

"Canada has closed its embassy in Iran, effective immediately, and declared personae non gratae all remaining Iranian diplomats in Canada," Baird said in a statement. Those diplomats must leave within five days.

"Canada’s position on the regime in Iran is well known. Canada views the Government of Iran as the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today."

The statement cited Iran's support for the Assad regime in Syria and failure to comply with UN resolutions on its nuclear program, and its threats against Israel.

The statement also makes reference to Iran's "blatant disregard" of the Vienna Convention that guarantees the protection of diplomatic personnel.

More to come


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