A recent move by Canada to sever diplomatic ties with Iran and close down the Iranian Embassy in Ottawa has left Iranian students at Carleton with few options for getting consular services or help from their government.
Increasing military assistance to Syria’s Assad regime and refusal to comply with the United Nations resolution pertaining to its nuclear program are among the reasons Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird cited in his decision to close down the embassy, according to a government press release.
“Canada views the government of Iran as the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today,” Baird said in the release.
“Carleton is known for providing a supportive campus environment. We pride ourselves on the support we provide to all members of the Carleton community,” Carleton media relations co-ordinator Chris Cline said.
“As such, Carleton students regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion are Carleton students first and foremost. We would extend this same level of support to any member of our Carleton community.”
Cline said the university is trying to help support the international students from Iran.
“We have been fielding questions and providing information and support to international students from Iran. We are currently determining who is affected and will be coming up with a long-term plan to help them continue their studies here at Carleton. We will continue to monitor and advise the Carleton community as we receive more information,” Cline said.
Cline said the university has received requests for help from students who might be affected by the move, and advised all students who think they might be affected, both currently in Canada or abroad, to contact the university.
