By The Journal of Turkish Weekly

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that Iran and Canada have not held negotiations over Italy's representation of Ottawa's interest in Iran.

Mehmanparast during its weekly press conference on Tuesday which was published from state TV IRIB said that establishing an "Interests Section of the Canada in Iran" needs bilateral and official negotiations between the sides, but there have not been any talks held yet.

Some 10 days after Canada broke off diplomatic relations with Iran, Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird said on Monday that Italy will represent Canada's interests in Iran as a "protecting power," Reuters reported.

"The Italian government has agreed to provide critical support in urgent cases involving Canadians who require consular assistance in Iran, among other functions," Baird stated.

Canada pulled all its diplomats out of Iran and then cut off ties on September 7, citing several concerns including what it said was Iran's refusal to guarantee the protection of Canadian diplomats and its support of terrorism. It has also expelled Iranian diplomats from Ottawa.

 

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