December 17, 2007
No. 179
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced at the
Conference of Donors for the Palestinian Territories that Canada is increasing support
to the peace process through additional assistance to Palestinian reform and
development.
"I am pleased to announce that Canada will commit $300 million over the next five
years to build security, governance and prosperity," said Minister Bernier. "Canada was
a key participant in the Paris donors' conference, which continued the momentum
created in Annapolis. The Israelis and Palestinians have committed to negotiations to
be concluded in one year. While ambitious, I believe this is attainable. Canada came to
Paris prepared to play its part.
"To improve security, we will increase our participation in reform of the Palestinian
security system in areas including the civilian police, justice and corrections, working in
partnership with the United States Security Coordinator and the European Union
Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support.
"To improve governance, we will support institution-building in the Palestinian Authority
and help build a better public service for all Palestinians. We will also work with
Canadian and local non-governmental organizations, other actors and the Palestinian
Authority to promote tolerance and combat hatred and the incitement of violence.
"And to improve prosperity, we will help to stimulate the Palestinian economy through
its private sector.
"Our funding is not unconditional," said Minister Bernier. "We will need to see
demonstrable progress in negotiations by both sides, as well as progress in Palestinian
democratic reforms. As the peace process moves forward, Canada will be there, ready
to support the parties in doing the essential work that only they can do to achieve our
common goal-a viable Palestinian state that is democratic, accountable, and living in
peace and security as a neighbour to Israel."
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A backgrounder follows.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
Backgrounder
CANADA'S SUPPORT
Canada has long been committed to doing its part in finding a solution to resolving the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Part of that has included our support for the right for Israel to
live in peace and security in the region, as well as helping to create a democratic and
accountable Palestinian state. As a leader on the important issue of Palestinian
refugees, we have examined ways to bring about a just and practical solution to the
many challenges, including the possibility of compensation and improvements to the
lives and conditions of Palestinian refugees around the world.
The renewed peace process offers everyone an opportunity to resolve one of the most
pervasive conflicts that has repercussions for stability in the Middle East and, indeed,
the entire world. At the Paris donors' conference for Palestinians, Canada will be
contributing $300 million that will be used to build security, governance and prosperity.
This contribution will be conditional on progress in negotiations and Palestinian reforms.
In every facet of our work, we will devote special attention to the issues of hatred and
incitement of violence, with a view to providing assistance in combatting these
problems.
Canada's assistance will be conditional on sustained progress in the peace process
and on measurable progress in Palestinian reforms. In line with Government of Canada
policy and Canadian anti-terrorism legislation, Canada will ensure that Canadian funds
do not directly or indirectly benefit Hamas or other terrorist groups listed under
Canadian law.
In 2006-2007, Canada provided $25 million in programming in the West Bank and Gaza
to support a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including humanitarian
assistance. As well, Canada provided $15 million in support of Palestinian refugees
through a provision to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency program, which
provides basic services to Palestinian refugees around the world. In addition, Foreign
Affairs and International Trade Canada's Global Peace and Security Fund provides
support to the United States Security Coordinator's mission.
Security
Canada will provide support to security sector reform, including capacity building for
civilian police and corrections officials, as well as judicial reform. Canada will also
increase support to the United States Security Coordinator's mission. We are also
exploring the possibility of supporting the European Union Coordinating Office for
Palestinian Police Support (EUCOPPS).
Governance
Canada will support the development of democratic, transparent and accountable
institutions in the Palestinian Authority. Canada may consider the possibility of direct
budgetary support, provided that the appropriate management and accountability
mechanisms are in place, and provided that the budget support is targeted primarily for
the enhancement of Palestinian governance structures.
Prosperity
Canada will concentrate its efforts on stimulating private sector development as a
means to renew the Palestinian economy.
Improving the daily lives of the Palestinian people will bring about a needed change on
the ground and strengthen the peace process.
