War at Iranian Canadian Congress

ICC President's letter: Mr.Polievre statment in favor of more war and violence in West Asia

Posted on News by · October 15, 2024 11:30 AM · 1 reaction

ICC President has sent the following letter for the President of The Conservative Party of Canada regarding Mr. Polievre statement in favor of more war and violence in West Asia:

To: Stephen Barber
President of The Conservative Party of Canada

Mr. Poilievre has recently stated that Israel has the right of "proactively striking Iranian nuclear sites and oil installations." [1] The Conservative Leader has since doubled down on his call, saying such an act would be “a gift by the Jewish state to humanity.” [2]

Mr. Poilievre appears to have conveniently forgotten that Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and remains committed to using its nuclear program for peaceful purposes, while Israel has never joined the NPT. Mr. Poilievre seems to ignore that he is advocating for a non-NPT nation to attack nuclear facilities of an NPT nation whose facilities are considered as civilian sites, an act which goes against international law [3].

Even more concerning is the fact that Mr. Poilievre is encouraging a country currently under investigation by the International Court of Justice for the crime of genocide, and whose leaders are accused of committing war crimes by the International Criminal Court [4], to take military action against a sovereign nation. This kind of inflammatory rhetoric is not only reckless but is deeply irresponsible and stands in stark opposition to the values that Canadians hold dear as a peace-seeking nation. Furthermore, it increases the risk of dangerous escalation in an already fragile region.

His statements are out of step with Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, who said last week that an escalation of the hostilities between Israel and Iran could plunge Western Asia into “all-out war” [5], the specter of which is very worrisome for hundreds of thousands of Iranian Canadians who have families in Iran.

Canada has historically been a force for peace and diplomacy and has discouraged violations of international law. Mr. Poilievre's statements, which deviate from the norm, are even contrary to U.S. President Joe Biden’s discouragement of such actions by Israel and his suggestions that Israel should consider alternative ways to retaliate against Iran [6]. Such remarks also contradict Prime Minister Trudeau's strategic approach, which suggests that Israel should avoid a wider war [7].

Whereas UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres informed an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, "The sickening cycle of escalation after escalation that is leading the people of the Middle East straight over the cliff" has to stop, such statements by the Conservative Party Leader, which contradict the consensus of the international community on de-escalation, is very concerning.

The Iranian Canadian Congress remains dedicated to supporting diplomatic solutions and ensuring the protection of Iranian-Canadian interests. We call on Canadian leaders to reject military adventurism and instead work towards peaceful and constructive dialogue that can lead to lasting stability. We condemn Mr. Poilievre’s inflammatory statements in the strongest terms.

Statement regarding the recent escalation of conflict in the Red Sea

Posted on News by · January 14, 2024 11:28 AM · 1 reaction

Iranian Canadian Congress expresses disappointment in Canada’s decision to participate in the US-led military operation in the Red Sea. Given the exceptionally heightened tensions, these military interventions pose a significant risk of escalating West Asia into a full-scale war, which would be catastrophic for all parties involved, particularly the civilian population throughout the region.

For over three months, Canadians have been fervently urging their elected representatives to advocate for an immediate and lasting ceasefire to bring an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. It is imperative for the Canadian government to demand a ceasefire alongside South Africa in the International Court of Justice against the genocide in Gaza and call for the immediate removal of the blockade affecting the fundamental livelihood of the Gaza population, including access to clean water, food and medication.

We urge Canada to assume a constructive role in the region, fostering implementation of UN Resolutions, peace, justice and stability rather than contributing to war and destruction. Canadians seek a sustainable ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, fearing the potential expansion of the conflict into neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Iran.

Participating in military actions that jeopardize Canadian lives and perpetuate the loss of innocent men, women, and children in West Asia offers no benefit to Canadians and is instead a stain on Canada’s global reputation. It is crucial for Canada to prioritize diplomatic solutions and actively work towards a peaceful resolution in the region.

Pages tagged "War"

ICC President's letter: Mr.Polievre statment in favor of more war and violence in West Asia

Statement regarding the recent escalation of conflict in the Red Sea

Sign in with:

Or sign up: