Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (AFP Photo/Dave Chan) |
Ottawa (AFP) - Canada and several other countries with nationals killed in the shootdown of a civilian airliner called on Tehran Sunday to abide by its international commitments after Iranian authorities briefly arrested the British ambassador.
"We
call on Iran to uphold the Vienna Convention," Canada's foreign ministry
said, referring to a 1961 international treaty that sets out protections from
harassment for foreign diplomats.
Canada
issued the statement after a call among representatives of countries whose
citizens were among the 176 people killed when a Ukrainian airliner was hit by
an Iranian missile January 8.
The group
formed by Canada in the wake of the disaster includes Britain, Ukraine, Sweden
and Afghanistan.
"All
countries on the call noted their concern that the British ambassador to Tehran
was temporarily detained by Iranian officials following his attendance at a
vigil for the victims of flight PS752," the statement said.
Iran
earlier Sunday confirmed it briefly arrested Rob Macaire, the British
ambassador, for attending an "illegal gathering" -- a charge he has
denied.
The
European Union and France criticized Tehran for the arrest as well.
On
Saturday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "outraged and
furious" over the shootdown, demanding a full investigation and for Tehran
to assume responsibility for the tragedy, including financial compensation.
Iran's
leaders admitted on Saturday that Iranian forces accidentally shot down the
airliner after mistaking it for a cruise missile.
Trudeau is
expected in Edmonton, Alberta Sunday to attend a memorial service for the 57
Canadian victims of the disaster. About a dozen were from Edmonton.
The prime
minister, who will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe
Champagne, is expected to speak at the event.
Another
ceremony has been scheduled Sunday at the University of Toronto. The city is
home to the largest Iranian community in Canada.
Numerous
funerals have been held across the country in recent days as Canadians grieve
the deaths.
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