Scarborough-Agincourt M.P. lauds federal announcements
on Iran and Iraq
Toronto, ON – The Hon. Jim Karygiannis, P.C., M.P. praised today’s announcements by the Canadian Government on Iran and Iraq as being positive and progressive measures.
Prime Minister Paul Martin has confirmed Canada’s support for an international debt reduction program for Iraq. This would be done under what is known as the Paris Club, an international group of creditor governments that works with debtor nations on restructuring their debts. He said Canada supports a reduction of the vast majority of Iraq’s debt and that the issue has to be dealt with quickly and effectively. Iran’s debt to Canada is approximately $750 million.
In re-iterating Canada’s ongoing financial commitment to the country’s reconstruction the Prime Minister said Canada will provide up to $300 million in humanitarian and re-building projects.
“In the last year I have worked closely with
Canadian Iraqi community leaders on these issues and have taken their
messages to the government. These
initiatives are important in Canada’s continued support of the Iraqi
people and the stabilization of their country,” said Mr. Karygiannis.
Also today, International Co-operation Minister,
Aileen Carroll pledged $250,000 to the World Food Program to support food
aid operations in Iran. This
relief assistance will deliver emergency food aid to up to 100,000 people
living in Bam, Iran and the surrounding areas.
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will provide
the contribution.
Immediately following the December 26, 2003
earthquake in Bam, Mr. Karygiannis and his colleagues met with members of
the Canadian Iranian community in the Greater Toronto Area to discuss
emergency aid response. He
took these concerns to the Minister.
“Minister Carroll responded quickly providing an
initial $750,000 to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
for emergency relief and the Canadian Forces urgently airlifted emergency
supplies,” said Mr. Karygiannis. “This
commitment demonstrates the government’s willingness to work with
communities in the face of catastrophe,” he added.
