AFP, Ottawa, May 21, 2009 – The Canadian government expressed ’deep concern’ Thursday over Iran’s test-firing of a medium-range missile, saying it only served to fuel international mistrust of Tehran.
US officials said initial reports suggested the test launch announced by Iran Wednesday was a success, and that the missile had a range of at least 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles).
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said in a statement: ’Canada calls on Iran to immediately cease its ballistic missile programs and engage positively in reaching peaceful solutions to its regional concerns.’
’Provocative actions such as this missile test run counter to efforts to reduce tensions in the region,’ he added.
The test launch of the Sajjil-2, following similar missile tests by Iran in 2008, ’further erode the world’s trust regarding its intentions in the region’ and are ’especially worrisome’ in light of Tehran’s disregard of UN resolutions on its nuclear program.