Saturday January 11, 2020 ~ NATIONAL
~ West Shore Voice News
Today Saturday January 11, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with President Hassan Rouhani of Iran regarding the shooting down of the Ukraine International Airlines plane, for which Iran has admitted responsibility.
In Ottawa today (broadcast/livestreamed) Trudeau spoke to reporters (12:30 pm Eastern Time), Trudeau said Iran’s admission that its military was responsible for shooting the Boeing 737-800 down, killing all 176 on board was “an important step,” but said that Iran must now allow for a full investigation to take place.
Trudeau emphasized several times during the news conference that the needs of the families come first. That requires consular service on the ground in Iran, and also access (with visas) for investigators to assess the crash debris and flight data.
“Answers and access” are what Canadians need right now, Trudeau told media.
The Prime Minister’s office in an official readout release today said that in the phone call to President Rouhani conveyed his profound regret for the shooting down of the aircraft by the Iranian military. The Prime Minister said that this is an important first step for Iran.
Trudeau noted that Canadians were “angry, hurt and grieving”, and said it was imperative that there be justice, accountability, and compensation for the families of the victims, it was stated in a readout release.
The release stated: “The Prime Minister insisted on the need for a complete and thorough investigation. The President agreed and committed to ensure international participation including from Canada. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Canada was ready to deploy air safety experts to facilitate black box examination and DNA specialists to assist with victim identification and the return of remains to Canada. The Prime Minister was encouraged by President Rouhani’s commitment to facilitate access to Iran of Canada’s consular and aviation experts in the efforts to support the families affected by this tragedy and the related investigation.”
In the conversation: “Prime Minister Trudeau condemned Iranian rocket attacks on January 8, 2019 that put the lives of Canadians at risk in Erbil, Iraq. In discussing the situation in the region, the Prime Minister and the President agreed on the importance of de-escalation and dialogue to reduce tensions and promote stability in the region. The Prime Minister noted how the shooting down of the aircraft was an example of how heightened tensions can have tragic consequences for innocent civilians.”
“Prime Minister Trudeau and President Rouhani agreed to continue dialogue between the two countries on this matter in the effort to alleviate the pain of people in Canada, Iran and other countries affected by this tragedy. The Prime Minister underscored the profound impact this tragedy has had on the large Iranian-Canadian community – and on all Canadians – across the country. The President acknowledged their deep loss and underscored the importance of foreign ministers and officials from the two countries working together, including through the International Coordination and Response Group for families and victims of flight 752.”
Meanwhile, in Iran, local people are protesting the shooting down of a plane carrying Iranians, and in general protesting the Iranian military response to the US having killed the top Iranian general last week which now brings more impact upon regular Iranian citizens (including economic sanctions).
Many Iranians have fled their home country. Canada has received many Iranian immigrants and international students; many Iranian immigrants have become well-integrated with universities across Canada. There were 57 Canadians killed in the crash of Flight 752, most if not all of the Iranian newcomer community in Canada. Of those killed, 15 were affiliated with communities in British Columbia.
Later today, a government source confirmed that three members of the Canadian consular team had landed in Iran.
On Sunday January 12, the Prime Minister will attend a vigil in Edmonton to pay his respects and mourn the loss of the victims of the plane crash in Iran. He will deliver remarks at the Saville Community Sports Centre, 11610 65 Avenue North West.