The decision by the Canadian government to reverse its stated goal of improving strained relations with Iran was influenced by the Israeli lobby, says a legal expert who believes that Tehran does not pose any threat to the North American country.
Radical groups supporting Israel in Canada have spared no effort in preventing the resumption of Tehran-Ottawa diplomatic relations, Edward C. Corrigan, a Canadian lawyer and specialist in citizenship, immigration law and refugee protection, told IRNA in an interview on Sunday.
On June 12, the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sided with an opposition motion in parliament demanding that Ottawa "immediately cease all negotiations or discussions" on restoring diplomatic relations with Iran, according to news reports.
Corrigan criticized Canadian officials' unrealistic stance on Iran, saying that European countries are more realistic and appreciate the importance of having relations with the Islamic Republic.
Lobbied by extremist Israeli groups, sections of the Canadian media have been presenting a negative image of Iran while it has never been a threat to the country, he said.
He also noted that the conservatives in Canada are following in the footsteps of US President Donald Trump, who has adopted a tough policy toward Iran.
Pierre Trudeau, father of Justin—who served as prime minister between 1980 and 1984—had pursued more independent policies and his government's good relations with China and Cuba had led to Canada being viewed as an intermediary by the United States on various occasions, Corrigan added.
Track Record
Justin Trudeau's failure to rectify the mistake made by his predecessor is a stain on his track record, the legal expert said.
Former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper severed Canada's diplomatic ties with Iran in September 2012 when he closed the Canadian Embassy in Tehran and expelled Iranian diplomats from Ottawa.
The move came after Britain's Embassy in the Iranian capital was stormed in 2011 in protest against new sanctions imposed by London and then closed. Britain reopened its embassy in 2015, and Canada continued to hold on to the objective of restoring relations with Iran.
In 2013, it was announced that Oman will look after Iranian affairs in Canada, and Italy was named the protector of Canada's interests in Tehran.
Corrigan said the complicated situation has negatively affected a large number of people requiring consular assistance or other legal services.
He maintains that if the Iranian community in Canada speaks with a single voice in favor of normal ties with Tehran, many issues can be resolved.
