OTTAWA – The Green Party of Canada is calling on the federal government to use all diplomatic channels at its disposal to ensure that Canadian authorities are involved in the official investigation into the crash of the Ukrainian passenger jet near Tehran.
Green Party Interim Leader Jo-Ann Roberts said that Canadians are alarmed by news reports that the crash site has not been secured and that vital evidence has been removed or cleared away by bulldozers.
“Canada has a vital and compelling interest in ensuring that we learn the truth about what happened to Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752,” said Ms. Roberts. “At least 57 Canadians were among the 176 people who died and 138 of those on board were destined for Canada. Our country stands united in mourning all those who died and in demanding answers for their loved ones.”
Green Party parliamentary leader Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands) said the lack of a Canadian diplomatic presence in Iran will hamper efforts to assist the victims’ families and to ensure that there is a full and thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster.
“I call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to move quickly to appoint an ambassador to Iran and reopen Canada’s embassy in Tehran,” said Ms. May. “While this diplomatic channel remains closed our voice in the region is muted. In the aftermath of this tragedy, the need for Canadian diplomacy is stronger than ever.”
(This release has been updated with new information.)
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For more information:
John Chenery
john.chenery@greenparty.ca