Trudeau blames Tories for complicating Azer case by cutting ties to Iran

Prime Minister Justin Trudeauis blamingthe Conservatives for exacerbating the plightof Alison Azer by cutting diplomatic ties with Iran.

Azer, whose former husband is wanted by Canadian police for taking their four children to Iran 14 months ago, lashed out at the Liberals yesterday for not doing enough to help bring her kidshome.

• Canada takes steps to renew ties with Iran
• Iranian-Canadians urge diplomacy with Tehran

Answering questions about the case during a media availability session in Toronto Friday, Trudeauinsisted his government has been working "extremely hard" on the "troubling case" but said those efforts have been hampered by decisions the former Stephen Harper administration made.

Trudeau on the Dion-Azer controversy

8 years ago

Duration 1:34

Trudeau on the Dion-Azer controversy

"It would be significantly easier to engage in this situation if the previous government hadn't made the decision for political and ideological reasons to close down our representatives in Iran," he said.

The Conservativescut ties with Tehran in 2012 and expelled Iranian diplomats from Canada.

'Disrespectful' gesture

Azer was deeplyoffended Thursday after Foreign Affairs MinisterStphane Dion made what she called a"disrespectful" gesture while Conservative MP Michael Cooper was asking questions about her case in the House of Commons.

While he was speaking,Dionallegedlygave him two thumbs down. The gesture was not capturedon camera.

"I was truly disappointed to see the foreign minister exhibit such unbecoming behaviour on such an important issue to Canadians," Azer latertold reporters.

Emotional mom says Stphane Dion's gesture in the House offends her

8 years ago

Duration 1:42

Alison Azer, whose former husband is wanted by Canadian police for taking their children to Iran, says she is offended after Foreign Affairs Stphane Dion made a "disrespectful" gesture while another MP was raising her case in the House Thursday.

A Canada-wide warrant was issued last August forSaren Azer a doctor of Kurdish-Iranian descent after hefailed to bring his four children home to his ex-wife in Comox, B.C., aftera court-sanctioned trip to Europe.

He has defended his decision to take the children to Iran, saying it was in their best interests.

Diondidn't deny making the gesture, butsaid it was intended to takeissue with the "cheap shots" Cooper was taking at the prime minister.

Asked today if Dion's behaviour was acceptable, Trudeauwould say only that people are "emotionally impacted" by the case of Azer and her children.

Dion apologizes in House

"When we're passionate about helping a family, we're concerned about the level of politics being applied to a situation that we should all very much care about," he said.

During Question Period later Friday, Opposition House Leader Candice Bergen demanded Dionapologize for making the "inappropriate and unparliamentary" gesture.

"I am sorry that some interpreted it to be directed at Madame Azer. It was obviously not the case," hereplied. "I have nothing but compassion for Madame Azer and can not imagine the anguish she must be going through."

Dionaccused theOpposition of politicizingthe situation, which he called unhelpful to the cause.

Dion apologizes to Alison Azer

8 years ago

Duration 1:32

Dion apologizes to Alison Azer