generalspeaking

Clarification: Canada Responds

The Canadian government has a clear position on the Middle East: We are committed to the long-term goal of a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

We believe the continual threat of terrorism and some countries' failure to recognize Israel's right to exist are the primary obstacles to moving forward. Israel has an unequivocal right to defend its citizens against continued rocket attacks by Palestinian militant groups that deliberately target civilians. As stated by our Prime Minister, "those who threaten Israel also threaten Canada, because, as the last World War showed, hate-fuelled bigotry against some is ultimately a threat to us all and must be resisted wherever it may lurk."

Our government believes that a battle between a democratic state and terrorist groups who seek to destroy it is not a matter of ambiguity - it is a matter of right and wrong.

On the question of Israeli settlements, Canada's policy has not changed. We continue to believe that the expansion of settlements is illegal, as per the long-standing policy of the government of Canada. We do not, however, prejudge the outcome of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and remain ready to assist in any way we can. When it comes to foreign policy, we believe that we should be guided by our interests as a country but also by principles and values. Freedom. Democracy. Human rights. The rule of law. And the uncompromising opposition to terrorism.

Our support for Israel is guided by clear principles and shared convictions rooted in moral clarity, and is unswayed by polls or the shifting opinions of the international community.

Lawrence Cannon,
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Ottawa.

Labels: Canada, Government of Canada, Israel, Middle East

posted by Pieface @ Thursday, May 28, 2009