Iran strongly condemns ‘unwise’ Canadian motion against IRGC
Iran has hit out at an “unwise” motion at the Canadian House which calls on the Ottawa government to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani on Saturday highlighted the role which the IRGC plays in countering threats against the country and terrorism in the region.
“Along with other elements of the armed forces, the IRGC is responsible for guarding the national security and borders of the country, as well as contributing to lasting security and stability in the region by confronting the sinister phenomenon of terrorism,” he said.
“The IRGC is a sovereign institution derived from the heart of the great and powerful nation of Iran and has an official and legal identity taken from the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
His remarks came after the Canadian House of Commons on Wednesday adopted a non-binding resolution calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to blacklist the IRGC and expel an estimated 700 Iranians.
Kan’ani strongly condemned the move, calling it “unwise, hostile and contrary to the accepted standards and principles of the international law, including the equality of sovereignties and non-interference in the internal affairs of states”.
The motion is “an example of an attack on the sovereignty and national security of Iran”, he said.
Canada announces new sanctions against Iran, targeting 12 officials from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps and law enforcement forces.
“This irresponsible step is in line with the mistaken path that Canadian lawmakers have been following over the past decade under the influence of the Zionist regime and certain groups that are outcasts and lack any status and value,” Kan’ani added.
The spokesman advised Canadian parliamentarians to study the position of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps in Iran “in order to get acquainted with the necessary facts”.
“The motion stemming from the ignorance and imprudence of the Canadian House have no effect on the power and authority of this proud force that has emerged from the body of the Iranian nation,” he said.
“At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its rights to respond and take appropriate countermeasures against such acts that violate international law, and are against the Iranian nation and government,” Kan’ani added.
