(No. 265 - August 21, 2010 - 1:30 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s offer to host peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority:
“We welcome Secretary of State Clinton’s invitation to Israel and the Palestinian Authority to resume direct negotiations in Washington, D.C., on September 2. Canada commends the continued efforts of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the United States and the Quartet, as well as regional partners, to create the conditions needed for the resumption of peace talks.
“We recognize that this development demonstrates a positive step toward peace, despite the challenges that exist. We strongly encourage them to take advantage of this important opportunity.
“As always, Canada stands ready to assist in any way.”
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