Stephen Harper on Iran -- the right approach

I'm usually harsh in dealing with Stephen Harper but his position on Iran strikes exactly the right note.

He does not lecture Iran, and does not even hint at meddling, but does express a strong support for democratic values.

"The reaction of the Iranian authorities to the demonstrations in Iran is wholly unacceptable," he said in a statement. "The regime has chosen to use brute force and intimidation in responding to peaceful opposition regarding legitimate and serious allegations of electoral fraud."

"Basic human rights, including freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, are being ignored," Harper said.

"Journalists have been prevented from covering protests and subjected to arbitrary detention and arrest. Foreign press credentials have been revoked," Harper continued.

"Canada calls on the Iranian authorities to immediately cease the use of violence against their own people, to release all political prisoners and journalists - including Canadians - who have been unjustly detained, to allow Iranian and foreign media to report freely on these historic events, and to conduct a full and transparent investigation into allegations of fraud in the presidential election."

"The voices of all Iranians must be heard. I have directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs [Lawrence Cannon] to ensure that Canada's views are conveyed to Iran's top representative in Canada," Harper said.

We can all, Liberal, Conservative, NDP or Bloc be proud of the Federal Government's position.