John Baird: Canada's freedom agenda - Diplomat Magazine

Di spatches|FOREIGN AFFAIRSDFAITthey single Iran out for its human rightsrecord?” (In November 2011, Canada waslead co-sponsor for the ninth time of theannual UN General Assembly resolutioncondemning Iran’s human rights violations.The resolution passed by a recordmajority margin.)The Harper government unequivocallysupports “Israel’s right to exist,” he said inhis UN speech. “We uphold its fundamentalright, like any member state, to defendinnocent civilians against acts of terrorism.Just as fascism and communism were thegreat struggles of previous generations,terrorism is the great struggle of ours.“And far too often, the Jewish state ison the front line of our struggle and itspeople the victims of terror. Canada willnot accept or stay silent while the Jewishstate is attacked for defending its territoryand its citizens.“Over the past century, the worldwas infected by a lethal combination ofutopian ideology and brutal despotismthat spawned totalitarian regimes whichenslaved their own peoples. Apologiststried to persuade us that the ideology ofcommunism was benign. Canadians knewMinister Baird met with Israeli Defence Ministerand Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Barak,centre, and Israeli Ambassador Miriam Ziv.better. We took a stand — for freedom andfundamental human rights.“We stood against oppression in Germany.We stood with the brave people ofUkraine and those of the other captive nationsof Central and Eastern Europe.“Canada does not just ‘go along’ in orderto ‘get along.’“We will ‘go along,’ only if we ‘go’ in adirection that advances Canada’s values:freedom, democracy, human rights andthe rule of law.”How does he walk the line betweentrade and human rights? “I think you’remore likely to be successful by engagingA John Baird lightning roundOn African democracy: “We welcome theturning over of power in African states aspart of the democratic movement. Thereare still many challenges in Uganda, inZimbabwe, in Somalia, in South Sudan. Onthe downside is the famine in Somalia andal-Shabab, the al-Qaeda-linked Muslimterrorist group which is having a hugeeffect — not just on Somalia but also onthe number of refugees going into Kenya.Piracy, which is having a huge effect evenon Kenya’s tourism, is also wreaking havocon the west coast, including Ghana.”On Russia: “With Russia, we have not-badrelations. On some issues, such as climatechange and the Arctic, we work well withthe Russians. I’ve had two bilateral [meetings]with my colleague, Sergey [SergeyLavrov, Russia’s foreign minister.] Justbecause you don’t agree, it doesn’t meanyou can’t have a good relationship, a frankexchange back and forth. On a personallevel, he’s an interesting guy. And I thinkit is always good to get a sense not just ofwhat someone’s position is, but why.”Regarding Russia’s veto (along withChina) of a General Assembly motion censoringSyria for its attacks on protesters, hesays: “I’ve certainly pushed [the Russians]to do it. The lack of condemnation is obviouslydisappointing and it doesn’t servethe UN very well. But the Arab League hasstepped up to the plate with sanctions,which is phenomenal.”On the drug problem in Latin America:He says his colleague, Diane Ablonzsky, isdoing a lot of work and the prime ministeris providing leadership. “We see Colombiahas made great progress in attacking itsdrug challenges, [yet] a lot of the drugtrade has moved up into Central Americaand that’s a challenge. It’s a big concern.We work well with the OAS [Organizationof American States], with the countries inthe region and with the United States.”On visa requirements for Mexican andCzech travellers: It is “our problem, nottheirs,” he says. “It costs an average$55,000 to adjudicate a refugee claim.Don’t forget that taxpayers pay for the lawyersfor both sides. We pay for the processand then [we pay for] the appeals. It’s veryexpensive. That’s why you have the visarequirements — to stem the claimants.”On Iran’s alleged plot to assassinate SaudiArabia’s ambassador to the U.S.: “I don’tsay the word ‘alleged.’ I have been briefedand the facts are very strong. I’m not theminister of justice in the U.S. that has tooversee a fair trial. The facts are compelling.And it is outrageous. This is an attackon diplomacy. It is incredibly serious.”On diplomatic relations with Iran: A diplomaticstand-off has existed since Iran’sambassador was expelled for the murderby torture of Iranian-Canadian photojournalistZahra Kazemi in Iran in July 2003 fortaking photos outside Tehran’s notoriousEvin Prison. If Iran wants to re-open relationswith Canada, they could, says Mr.Baird, “have their president [MahmoudIran's 40-megawatt heavy water reactornear ArakAhmadinejad] stop denying the Holocausthappened. They can have their leadersay he doesn’t want to push all Jews andIsrael into the sea. They could permitinternational inspection of their nuclearprogram.” And, he said, they could apologizefor Zahra Kazemi’s murder.On the Arab Spring: Many people are“standing up for their rights” in theMiddle East and Africa. “I think peoplehave to be realistic. Libya is not goingto go from Gadhafi to Thomas Jeffersonovernight. Each of the countries will go atits own pace. Obviously you’re not goingto go to full western-style democracy, nornecessarily should you.“Tunisia is looking very promising.”Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh’spromise to step down, with elections earlythis year, signal “a brighter future” forYemen’s people. “Egypt has struggled. Theinitial reports on the election are positive— the first election of many. Moroccopassed its constitution by huge, huge margin;King Mohammed VI really embracedreform in a big way. King Abdullah II inJordan has really expedited reforms theywere already working on. In Saudi Arabia,you‘ve got to support every step forward.The decision to grant women the right tovote in local elections was a positive step.I’d like to see them go much farther.”Nanking 201038WINTER 2012 | JAN-FEB-MAR