Ottawa has labeled the latest development in the Iranian missile field as 'provocative', accusing Tehran of having hostile motives in the Middle East, Press TV reported.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced on Wednesday the launch of a new Iranian missile, Sejjil 2 -- a development he had earlier described as one in line with Tehran's "deterrence policy".
"Our progress in this field is solely aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region. This technology will only be used against an enemy with ill intentions," he explained.
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates confirmed the Iranian test-launch on Wednesday, saying that it was a success and that the missile had a range of at least 2,000 kilometers.
Canada like most other Israel-leaning countries condemned Tehran over the launch.
"Canada calls on Iran to immediately cease its ballistic missile programs and engage positively in reaching peaceful solutions to its regional concerns," Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said in a Thursday statement.
"Provocative actions such as this missile test run counter to efforts to reduce tensions in the region," the Canadian spokesman added without specifying which countries he believes are moving the region toward peace.
He went on to claim that the test erodes global trust regarding Iran's intentions in the region.
Sejjil 2, first tested eight months ago, is more accurate than the Shahab 3 missile.
The new missile has a greater deterrence power, as it lowers the time needed to prepare for launch.
...