The Canadian government has called on its diplomats in Iran to leave the embassy, abruptly and unilaterally cutting off all diplomatic ties there. The evacuation of the five diplomats from the capital, Tehran, as well as Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird’s expulsion of all Iranian diplomats in Canada has undoubtedly made poor relations with the country worse.
Stefan Epp-Koop, 27, who attends Home Street Mennonite Church in Winnipeg is, to say the least, disappointed by this move, seeing it as a move likely to bring about violence, not peace. Mennonite Central Committee Canada has also expressed their concern in a letter to the Minister.
On behalf of MCC Canada, Don Peters, Executive Director of MCC said, “we urge you to do everything possible to de-escalate tensions and minimize the likelihood that Iran or other nations will resort to violence.”
MCC, who has worked in Iran for more than twenty years, continues its relief work there. They recently helped Iranians in the East Azerbaijan province recover from two earthquakes by providing 7,500 blankets.
“We recognize that MCC’s efforts have been modest, but we continue to pursue them because of our deep conviction that the resolution of disagreements and dangerous situations requires more—rather than fewer—opportunities for dialogue,” Peters’ letter said.
Epp-Koop believes these dialogues are “one step towards bringing people together from these two divides. To realize we aren’t enemies, we have lots in common, and we should focus on that and not demonize each other.” He finds this end to diplomacy puzzling and disappointing, having travelled to Iran in 2008, and feeling very welcomed by the people.
“I was amazed at how friendly, welcoming, and open the people were. One woman served as an impromptu translator for me at a museum, demonstrating the kind of hospitality I received everywhere during my visit.”
His time as a tourist in the country helped him to realize that there is a divide between the West and that part of the Middle East, or “the axis of evil,” as former U.S. President George W. Bush called it.
“I met people very concerned about what the world thought about Iran. There was frustration that people expressed and people were embarrassed by their leadership,” Epp-Koop said, adding, “We need to be able to distinguish between government and the people.”
This is something for Canadians to keep in mind. If there is tension, it won’t be the leadership who suffers; it will be the Iranians who will bear the brunt of whatever happens.
Canada’s government has called the government of Iran, “the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today,” yet this young peace-builder believes it is important to press on.
“At times of tension and escalating tension like this, it is exactly the time that we need to be reaching across the divide,” said Epp-Koop.
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