Liberals must come clean on Azer abduction case

NDP MP Gord Johns (Courteny – Alberni) is calling on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Dion, to reveal what action has been taken to secure the safe return of Alison Azer’s children, and explain why his department interfered with the RCMP investigation into the abduction of the four children from Courtenay, BC which occurred one year ago this week.

“The government continues to claim that this case is a top priority but we’ve seen very little in terms of action and absolutely no results,” said Johns who represents Alison Azer’s home riding. “What’s worse, it now appears the government botched an important opportunity that could have helped bring these children home safely.”

In June, Iranian authorities detained Alison Azer’s ex-husband, Saren Azer, under an international Red Notice issued by Interpol stemming from child abduction charges here in Canada. RCMP officials told Alison Azer that when they attempted to contact Iranian police, the Department of Global Affairs stepped in and prevented any communication between the two police forces.

“Through her own efforts, Alison Azer herself has provided valuable information to government officials meanwhile the government squandered our best chance to get results in the effort to bring the children home,” Johns said. “Either this Minister doesn’t have complete control over his department or there’s a real lack of competence here.”