Posted on 11/21/2011 7:34:00 PM PST by Clive
0 OTTAWA - Canada has slapped new sanctions on Iran over renewed concerns about nuclear weapons in the hands of the Islamic theocracy.
"The sanctions cover the known leadership of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and block virtually all transactions with Iran including those with the central bank," Government House Leader Peter Van Loan told the Commons during Monday's question period. "We will do what it takes to isolate the regime and minimize the risk it poses to global peace."
The sanctions make exceptions for Canadians who want to send money to loved ones in Iran.
Canada is also banning trade in items used in the petrochemical, oil and gas industry in Iran.
"Sanctions are important, but we should do far more than only sanctions," NDP foreign affairs critic Helene Laverdiere said.
She argued Canada should "continue the diplomatic work" of getting Russia and China on board with tougher action against Iran.
The United Nations Security Council has already forced four rounds of sanctions on Iran in the last five years.
However, Russia and China - with extensive business dealings in Iran - oppose further action.
Earlier Monday, the U.K. ordered all British financial institutions to stop doing business with their Iranian counterparts and Iran's central bank.
U.S. President Barack Obama, meanwhile, added new sanctions to punish anyone who helps Iran develop and expand its oil resources.
The U.S. Treasury Department also designated Iran a "primary money laundering concern."
While direct financial dealings with Iranian banks were already banned, the new move means even indirect dealings come under scrutiny.
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I’m sure the Iranians are quaking in their boots. What a bunch of maroons. Some people never learn.
Maybe they should also designate Zer0's administration as the same.
and you call us maroons....what part of standing by an ally, israel, do you not get, or is might the only thing you understand.
I think you misunderstand. Sanctions don’t work, never will. What Israel needs is direct support and military action not the diplomatic equivalent of ringing their doorbell and running. Our State Department is no better.
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