I wish that international politics were not based on the realpolitik. But the fact is, international politics are based on the realpolitik, which always means that political and economic interests are the first things. I wish international politics were based on human rights, democracy, and all of these things, but, quite frankly, this is not what we see. Democracy and human rights always come second next to the political and economic interests.
As I mentioned to a colleague here, moral and spiritual support, yes, but of course if Canada can do much to put human rights and democracy as the first and foremost issue, in terms of pursuing countries like the United States or others who have some form of dialogue with Iran, then, yes, we should do this.
On diplomatic boycotts, yes, but look at what's happening now between Iran and Canada. They do not have good relations. I'm not sure how much power Canada has at this point to put pressure on the Iranian government in the absence of any meaningful dialogue or diplomatic relations. I don't know what else we can do but put pressure on governments and the United States--which has some sort of dialogue with Iran--that democracy and human rights should be the first and foremost issue.