Canada urges citizens to leave parts of Middle East

OTTAWA, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand issued an urgent statement on Friday, calling on Canadian citizens in parts of the Middle East to leave due to a "volatile and unpredictable" security situation.

Anand advised Canadians in the region to "remain vigilant, monitor local and international media, and follow the instructions of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place."

The statement specifically recommended that Canadians in Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon "consider leaving while commercial options remain available."

The warning for Canadians in Iran is more severe, urging them to "leave now if they can do so safely."

Highlighting the lack of a Canadian diplomatic mission in Iran, the statement said, "There is no Canadian embassy in Iran and our ability to provide consular services is extremely limited, especially during an active conflict."

Tensions between the United States and Iran were soaring amid massive U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and the stalled nuclear talks. ■