July 23, 2007
No. 97
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of
International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages,
today announced support to the new Palestinian government.
“The Government of Canada welcomes the leadership of President Abbas and Prime
Minister Fayyad in establishing a government that Canada and the rest of the
international community can work with,” said Minister MacKay. “In light of the new
Palestinian government’s commitment to non-violence, recognition of Israel, and
acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, and in recognition of the
opportunity for a renewal of peace efforts, Canada will provide assistance to the new
Palestinian government. We recognize the fundamental challenges facing President
Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad in such areas as governance and the rule of law, and
hope that Canada’s support will contribute to much-needed reforms.”
Canada will make an immediate contribution of $8 million, through the Canadian
International Development Agency, in direct support to the new government, by way of
the Quartet-approved Temporary International Mechanism. Canadian assistance will
focus on the priorities identified by Prime Minister Fayyad, including security and
democratic, social and economic development. Canada will work closely with Prime
Minister Fayyad, his government, Quartet members, and our regional and international
partners to ensure that our contribution has both an immediate and sustained impact.
“Canada is also very concerned about the humanitarian situation of the Palestinians,
especially in Gaza,” said Minister Verner. “Canada will maintain its long-standing
commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, through a
$1 million contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross, whose activities
will focus on the protection of civilians and non-food assistance to those most in need.”
In the last fiscal year, Canada provided more than $30 million in humanitarian
assistance to Palestinians, including refugees.
Canada will also continue to provide assistance in areas where it can be most effective,
such as helping to reduce poverty, promoting democracy, supporting reform of the
security sector, and contributing to the U.S. Security Coordinator’s mission. Canada is
also exploring opportunities for partnership with the EU in police training and capacity building.
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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
Nicole Lascelle
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
819-953-6534
info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
http://www.cida.gc.ca
