Canada to consider reopening embassies in Iran, Venezuela

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Thursday that Canada should move toward reopening its embassies in Iran and Venezuela, arguing that the current lack of a diplomatic presence severely hampers the government's ability to assist Canadians abroad and respond to international crises. He made the remarks during a press conference in Ottawa, citing the recent deadly earthquakes in Venezuela as a situation where Canada's ability to provide immediate, on-the-ground assistance is limited.

Carney stressed that diplomatic engagement does not constitute an endorsement of a foreign government's policies. He said having an embassy and consular services in a country is a practical necessity to fulfill a basic responsibility of government, particularly in helping citizens who are injured, imprisoned, or in need of evacuation. The prime minister acknowledged that Canada has had to rely on other nations, including those that are not natural allies, to help extract Canadians from countries like Iran where it has no diplomatic mission.

The comments come amid reports from a diaspora group, the Iranian Justice Collective, which claimed it had heard the government intended to restore relations...