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Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center Demand Federal Leaders Cease Meetings With Iran |
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Written by Wire Services
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Tuesday, 03 January 2006 |
A letter has been sent by the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center to Prime Minister Paul Martin, CPC Leader Stephen Harper, NDP Leader Jack Layton and BQ Leader Gilles Duceppe, demanding there be no meetings between Canadian and Iranian politicians or bureaucrats until Iran reverses its position on the Holocaust and the State of Israel.
In the letter, Director Leo Adler begins by reiterating the Centre's appreciation for Canada's stance in denouncing the "Holocaust denial and genocidal anti-Israel comments made by Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad". The letter continues:
"Unfortunately, it has now become clear that Canada's condemnation, even in concert with similar declarations from the U.N. Security Council, the European Union and countless other countries, have had absolutely no effect upon Iran's leadership. In fact, the strident hatred and vitriolic speeches have only escalated.
"As a consequence, and bearing in mind that Iran is about to become a nuclear menace, it is time for Canada to increase the pressure upon Iran to not only abide by international rules of civility, but also to stop demonizing the Jewish people and threatening Israel.
"Canadians know, because of the Zahra Kazemi affair, that Iran cannot be persuaded to change its policies as long as their leaders and officials continue to be accepted within diplomatic circles. We are therefore calling upon you to openly and publicly declare that your party will ensure that there will be no meetings with President Ahmadinejad or any senior Iranians or Ministers by any Canadian Parliamentarians, Cabinet members or bureaucrats until Iran publicly renounces their policies of Holocaust denial and the wiping of Israel off the map of the world in Canada and by Canadians until such a retraction takes place.
"Such a statement would resonate strongly throughout the world that, in the midst of a democratic election, Canadians are nevertheless firm in their view that the sentiments of Iran's president cannot go unchallenged and must be refuted by all means possible. Time is short and I urge you to make such a public announcement now, while the campaign has the eyes and ears of the world focused on Canada.
...Leo Adler Director of National Affairs. |
