May 23, 2007 No. 69
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, today made the following statement concerning
developments in the Middle East:
“Canadians are very concerned by the violence in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, and by
the ongoing Qassam rocket attacks on Israel. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the
families of the victims.
“We are greatly concerned by the security situation in Lebanon, particularly in the Nahr
al-Bared refugee camp and the city of Tripoli. Canada condemns, in the strongest
possible terms, the ongoing actions of terrorist organizations in Lebanon, as well as
those countries that support these groups. Canada supports the Government of
Lebanon’s efforts to ensure the rule of law and its monopoly on the use of force in the
country, consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
“I spoke to Prime Minister Fouad Siniora on Monday, May 21, to reiterate these points.
He has assured me of his commitment to resolving the ongoing political crisis through
dialogue, and of his government’s continuing efforts to re-establish stability and
security.
“In the Gaza Strip, violence continues. While it appears that the ceasefire reached on
Saturday between Fatah and Hamas is holding, we are concerned by the fighting we
have witnessed between Palestinians. We are also very concerned by the Qassam
rocket attacks on Israel. Political dialogue is the only route to a lasting peace.
“I expressed these concerns during my telephone conversations over the past few days
with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, and with the President of the Palestinian
Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. I reiterated Canada’s support for Israel’s security, as well
as for President Abbas’ efforts to find a peaceful solution to the current situation.
“We urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law, to protect civilians, to
avoid damaging civilian infrastructure and to allow people in need safe and unhindered
access to humanitarian aid, which the United Nations and other organizations are so
courageously trying to deliver.”
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