A representative of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ottawa provided the following information on the above subjects during a telephone interview on 9 September 1993. Military service is compulsory for Iranian men and it is regular practice to issue compulsory service certificates to draftees upon completion of service. These certificates are necessary for "young men" seeking employment, since they cannot legally work without them. Even though it is not always routine for all individuals to receive identity cards during military service, draftees are distinguished by service cards that give name and rank. The representative was unable to provide additional information on the service card.

A representative of the Iranian Association in Toronto provided the following information on the above subjects during a telephone interview on 14 September 1993. During the six-month training period, draftees who do not have high school diplomas are issued enter/departure "papers" which enable them to enter or leave their training centres. Upon completion of this training period, private soldiers are issued "draft papers," but not ID cards, indicating in which particular military unit they must continue their military service.

During the training period, draftees with high school and university degrees are issued enter/departure "books" which enable them to enter or leave their training centres. Upon completion of the training period, these draftees are issued non-commissioned and officer ID cards respectively.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ottawa. 9 September 1993. Telephone interview with representative.

Iranian Association, Toronto. 14 September 1993. Telephone interview with representative.