FOREIGN Affair Minister François-Philippe Champagne on Friday met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, in Muscat, Oman, to discuss at length the Flight PS752 tragedy, for which Iran has admitted responsibility.
The Kiev-bound Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran, killing all the 176 people on board. Iran admitted its military ‘unintentionally’ shot down the aircraft.
According to a statement from Global Affairs Canada, Zarif conveyed his profound regret for this terrible tragedy. Champagne noted that he had met with families of victims this week who are deeply hurt and angry.
Champagne provided an update on the talks the International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of PS752 held on Thursday at Canada House in London.
The ministers discussed the necessity of full access to Iran for officials from Canada and other grieving nations to provide consular services, assist in ensuring victim identification meets international standards and participate in a thorough and transparent investigation.
The two also discussed the need for a transparent analysis of the black box data, to which Iran agreed. In addition, they discussed the duty Iran has towards the families of the victims – including compensation.
Zarif expressed his support for Iran continuing to work with Canada and all grieving nations in these respects. Champagne noted Iran’s cooperation so far and expressed his hope that this would continue.
The two committed to continue discussions as the situation evolves to ensure justice for the families of the victims.