Iran calls on Canada to adopt rational approach

TEHRAN,June 15(MNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi called on Canadian officials to take a “rational” and “wise” approach toward Iran. Salehi was referring to the recent interfering comments by his Canadian counterpart John Baird on Iran’s presidential election in which he raised doubts on the credibility of the election, calling it a “sham election.” Baird also made allegations that the Iranian government had rigged the results by banning women candidates, silencing democratic voices, and censoring the press. Salehi said that Canada’s enmity against Iran has no basis and expressed hope that the Canadian officials come to their senses. “We are seeking to have best relations with Canada. We can always have good ties and solve the misunderstandings, if there is any, through dialogue,” the Iranian foreign minister added. Canada announced on September 7, 2012 that it had closed its embassy in Tehran. It also expelled all Iranian diplomats in Canada a few days after the announcement was made, calling Tehran “the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today.”