Canada pushes for ‘transparent’ probe in air crash

TRENTON, Canada

Canada continues to push Iran for a “full and transparent” investigation into the deadly crash of plane, with Canadian officials on the ground at the crash site, Canada’s foreign minister said Friday.

Francois-Philippe Champagne also said 57 Canadians died in the crash of the Ukrainian airliner, not 63 as first reported.

The change in the number of victims is the result of “the most recent information we have received” after examination of travel documents and birthdates, he said.

Champagne said two visas had been issued by Iran so Canadians could be part of the investigation team so a “full and transparent” conclusion into the cause of the crash is uncovered.

Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Intelligence sources in various countries concluded the crash of the Boeing aircraft was due to a missile strike by Iran, likely unintentional.

A reporter asked if the minister was worried the crash site was being tampered with before foreign investigators could inspect the area.

“Obviously I am concerned,” Champagne said, which is why he is demanding a “full and thorough” investigation.

He said Canada was pushing for more visas from Iran and expected the country would comply with the request.

Champagne said there was a lot of concern for the families of the victims.

“The entire country is grieving with them,” he said. “We stand united.”

Iran said it did not fire missiles at the aircraft. It was downed Tuesday as it was leaving an airport in Tehran and all 176 aboard the airplane were killed.