Statement from Minister Champagne following the airstrike carried out by the U.S. on Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq

January 3, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement on the airstrike carried out by the U.S. on Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq:

“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.”