Canada’s foreign affairs minister is urging Canadians in parts of the Middle East to think about leaving while industrial travel options remain available, warning that Ottawa’s ability to offer help during an lively conflict could be limited.
In an announcement issued late Friday, Anita Anand said the safety situation across parts of the region stays “volatile and unpredictable,” and advised Canadians to stay vigilant, monitor local and international media, and follow instructions from local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place.
The statement says Canadians in Israel, Palestine and Lebanon should consider departing while industrial options are still available.
This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday he’s “not pleased” with the newest talks over Iran‘s nuclear program but indicated he would give negotiators more time to achieve a deal to avert one other war within the Middle East.
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As American forces gather within the region, Trump has threatened military motion if Iran doesn’t conform to a far-reaching deal on its nuclear program, while Iran insists it has the correct to counterpoint uranium for peaceful purposes and denies looking for a nuclear weapon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long urged tougher U.S. motion against Iran, and has warned that Israel will reply to any Iranian attack.
Canadians in Iran are being urged to go away immediately in the event that they can accomplish that safely. The federal government notes there isn’t any Canadian embassy in Iran and that its ability to offer consular services there is incredibly limited, particularly during an lively conflict.
Anand also cautioned that Canada’s capability to perform evacuations or assisted departures during a conflict would likely be limited.
The statement says Canadians within the region are advised to arrange contingency plans that don’t depend on the Government of Canada for evacuation assistance.
The minister said the protection and security of Canadians at home and abroad stays the country’s top priority. She encouraged travellers to watch official travel advisories for his or her destination and to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive updates. Those already registered are being asked to make sure their contact information is accurate.
–with files from The Associated Press
