Statement by Minister Mackay on Recent Events in the Middle East

News Release

July 12, 2006
No. 78
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency, today made the following statement in response to recent events in
southern Lebanon:
“Canada strongly condemns Hizbollah’s attack on Israel, which has included the capture of two
Israeli soldiers and the launching of Katyusha rockets and mortar bombs into Israeli towns. These
actions only exacerbate tensions in the Middle East, threaten the lives of civilians, and risk a
deteriorating humanitarian situation.
“We urge Hizbollah to immediately and unconditionally release the Israeli soldiers. We call on
the Lebanese government to do its utmost to restore order within its border and to fully
implement Security Council resolution 1559. We also call on Syria and Iran, both long time
supporters of Hizbollah, to cease all financial and other assistance to the organization.
“Canada remains deeply concerned about the well being of civilians. We urge all parties to act
with restraint and take all possible measures to protect innocent civilian lives.”
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

Search for related information by keyword

Global Affairs Canada Economics and Industry

Page details

2016-12-15

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

Statement by Minister Mackay on Recent Events in the Middle East

News Release

Page details