Iranian Diplomat on Iranian Canadians:"It is obvious that this large Iranian population can only be of service to our beloved Iran."

Iranian Diplomat on Iranian Canadians:"It is obvious that this large Iranian population can only be of service to our beloved Iran."(VT).By Eeyore.

Read this interview with this Iranian ‘diplomat’ (Iran has a habit of appointing terrorists and ‘former’ terrorists to its diplomatic core, certainly in South America) especially the last question and answer.

Hamid Mohammadi, the “Cultural Counselor” of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI)’s Ottawa Embassy, was interviewed by Iran’s press agency about Iranians living in Canada.
Following is a translation of the text from the original Persian.
The Islamic republic of Iran should be prevented from propagating ” their” so called “Islamic” culture in Canada. Iranians are Iranian no matter if they are Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Bahai, Buddhist, agnostic or atheist.
Regards,
Shabnam Assadollahi and Shadi Paveh.

Interview with Mr. Hamid Mohammadi, representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the Office of Cultural and Foreign Affairs of Iran, in Ottawa.

Question1: Mr Mohammadi, I want to thank you very much for giving us the time for this interview. Could you kindly inform us about the total Iranian population in Canada today?

Answer: I can tell you that according to our statistical studies, the Iranian population in Canada is approximately 500,000. Of course, this number is most likely higher due to the arrival of new students from Iran and the birthrate within this group.

Q2: Could you tell us about the cultural, social and economic situation of Iranians residing in Canada?
A: Studies have shown the status of Iranians immigrating to Canada differs from immigrants from other countries with regard to living conditions and social status. As a result of Canadian immigration laws, the spectrum of Iranian immigrants consists of highly educated individuals of high social standing.

Q3: Mr. Mohammadi can you please explain to us the differences between Iranian immigrants and those of other countries?

A: I can tell you that Iranian immigrants have certain characteristics that set them apart from other immigrants in Canada.

First, although they are not that different in their demographic profiles, more than 60% of recent immigrants are specialists and scholars. These individuals have decisively preserved their strong attachments and bonds to their homeland.
Second, if there is one major distinguishing factor that separates the Islamic-Iranian culture from the rest, it is their resistance to being absorbed and digested by the dominant culture. On the other hand, these same immigrants, compared to other immigrants of similar type, are rather malleable and more easily influenced by overpowering and dominant cultures. For this reason, the Iranian immigrants are easily affected by the overpowering and dominant Canadian society. There are many different reasons for this, and the source of this could be the subject of another report and interview.


Q13: Lastly, can you make any recommendations for the betterment of Iranians residing in Canada?

A: To this question I can say that by 2031 the total immigrant population of Canada will increase by 64%, and that the number of Iranians will increase due to birthrate. So therefore, we need to put into effect very concentrated cultural programs in order to enhance and nurture the culture in this fast-growing population. It is obvious that this large Iranian population can only be of service to our beloved Iran through these programs and gatherings.
Second, the Iranian community, while maintaining its Islamic and Persian cultural roots, can survive as an elite community and resist being melted into the dominant Canadian culture only if it aspires to occupy high-level and key positions. This would not be possible in any way other than by arming their children with a high level of education and preparing them for cultural survival in Canada.
Translation from Persian to English by: Shadi Paveh and Shabnam Assadollahi.Read the full story here.