Following Airstrike, Canadian Foreign Minister Calls For Restraint “On All Sides”

Statement says Canada has “long been concerned” by the Qods force that was run by Soleimani.

Following the U.S. airstrike on Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne released the following statement:

“Canada is in contact with our international partners. The safety and well-being of Canadians in Iraq and the region, including our troops and diplomats, is our paramount concern.

“We call on all sides to exercise restraint and pursue de-escalation. Our goal is and remains a united and stable Iraq.

“Canada has long been concerned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Qods Force, led by Qasem Soleimani, whose aggressive actions have had a destabilizing effect in the region and beyond.”

The statement is weak, especially considering that Soleimani orchestrated the deaths of many U.S. soldiers and also put Canadian lives at risk with his continued operations in Iraq. Canada should be offering support to our close U.S. ally in their elimination of a serious threat, not making a mealy-mouthed call for ‘restraint’ on ‘both sides.’

Spencer Fernando

Photo – YouTube