Canada and the course
of peace in the Middle East
By Bill Graham Minister
of External Affairs of Canada
Only six months have passed since the attacks on the United States,
yet in this time we have witnessed fundamental and unforeseen shifts in
global relationships. Indeed, history may record September 11 as a turning
point in shaping the international order for the start of the 21st century.
I would like, therefore, to take this opportunity to give you a sense of
both the continuity and changes in Canada’s foreign policy outlook since
that fateful event, and then to offer you some views on the conflict in
the Middle East and Canada’s bilateral relations with Israel.
Canada’s foreign policy today is focused on a campaign against
global terror and the promotion of safety and security as a global
priority. While the attacks of last September have indeed caused us to
refocus our energies, it is a truism that nations have enduring interests.
The crisis does not change the fundamental principles of Canada’s
foreign policy: promoting prosperity; preserving international peace and
security; and projecting Canadian values abroad. By virtue of our history,
multicultural identity, level of economic development and commitment to a
rules-based international system, we are – uniquely – a middle power
with extensive global interests. By virtue of our geography, our key
relationship will always be one with our close friend and neighbour, the
United States, the pivotal global player.
While many of our interests remain the same, we cannot ignore the
changes that have taken place in an extraordinarily short period of time.
With the September 11 attacks, the anthrax scares, a war in Afghanistan
and heightened turmoil in the Middle East, the world has experienced more
lows in a six-month span than at any other time in recent memory.
Nevertheless, there is some cause for optimism. This crisis (or should I
say crises?) has united the world community, not only in sorrow and
outrage, but also in commitment and resolve. Who, on September 10, would
have imagined a time when the Permanent Five members of the UN Security
Council and the General Assembly would agree without vetoes or abstentions
on hard-hitting resolutions to tackle Al Qa’ida and the Taliban. Who,
indeed, would have imagined on September 10 that Russia would accept the
establishment of U.S. bases in some of the former Soviet republics?
Indeed, would the successful launch of the next round of world trade
negotiations in Doha have become a reality without the desire to
strengthen the international community and stimulate the international
economy in the face of these events?
In some ways, then, the tragedy of last September has opened new
opportunities for dialogue and cooperation. How will Canada respond in the
year ahead to this new environment?
The G8 Summit, which Canada chairs this year, will focus on
combating terrorism. Strengthening economic growth worldwide and building
a new partnership for African development. These objectives are mutually
reinforcing, given our belief that terrorism is less likely to take root
in communities and nations that are prosperous, stable and open.
Shortly after the attacks in New York last fall, the G8 foreign
ministers were asked by their leaders to draw up a list of specific
measures to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism. This will
be a central element of the G8 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which I will
chair in June.
It is only a secure environment that long-term development
It is only a secure environment that long-term development can take
root. In June, therefore, G8 foreign ministers will discuss measures to
promote security in post-conflict Afghanistan and ways to ensure that
terrorists, and the criminal networks through which they are financed,
cannot continue to operate.
Historically, regional crises have formed a core part of G8
discussions. Fir this reason, I plan to travel to the Middle East prior to
the G8 and to work as Chair with my counterparts on all possible avenues
for peace.
The ongoing violence that we all witness daily with growing despair
on our television sets will place this prominently on the G8 foreign
ministers’ agenda once again. In this context, I cannot help but share
with you my horror, and that of everyone in our government, at the
senseless attacks – too many to describe – that have been committed in
recent days. Canada unequivocally condemns these acts and offers
condolences to the families of the victims who have perished on all sides.
The conflict in the Middle East is gripping Canadians by speaking
to our most fundamental values and concerns. Every news broadcast makes us
witness to funerals and the distress of the victims. Too many Israel and
Palestinian lives have been lost or shattered, and too many parents and
children mourn. Canadians know that Israelis live under the constant
threat of terror attacks, and they are profoundly concerned. That is why
the Canadian government continues to work in the region, within the G8 and
with our allies to support those who are striving to end the violence and
resume negotiations. We believe that, in the end, only a negotiated
settlement will bring peace to the region and guarantee the security that
Israel deserves.
My Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, has played a
pivotal role in the search for peace. On many occasions Mr. Peres has
spoken eloquently of both the difficulty and the inevitability of peace.
“I am convinced,” he said, “that sooner or later – and better
sooner – all of us will recognize there is no alternative but to return
to the table of negotiation, and part from the bloody battlefields that do
not produce solutions.”
I salute Shimon Peres’s personal dedication to the cause of
peace, as well as his continuing efforts to bring about the political
dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians that is so desperately needed.
Clearly, there is no alternative to a peace achieved at the negotiating
table. In order for all of the peoples of the region to live with full
security, the violence must stop. Terror must end. Confidence must be
rebuilt and dignity assured.
Given the horror of the past week, we have to begin to think anew
about strategies for peace and engagement. While the Mitchell Report
continues to point the way out of the crisis, new ideas are beginning to
emerge. We must pursue all opportunities for a just and lasting peace. The
ideas for full Arab-Israeli normalization recently put forward by Saudi
Crown Prince Abdallah, for example, deserve serious consideration. We will
be encouraging Prince Abdallah to pursue his initiative with all his Arab
partners. We commend President Moshe Katsav’s courage and vision in
reaching out to Arab leaders at this difficult time.
In the present dark situation, it is easy to forget how very close
we came just 14 months ago to a comprehensive lasting peace. Since then,
over 1,200 people have died. Surely we must urge all parties – Israeli
and Palestinian – to re-engage now while recognizing the important role
the United States must play in supporting that dialogue.
We cannot allow the upper hand to those who reject peace. As I have
indicated, Canada is addressing the scourge of terrorism in all its forms
– including the terrorist threat to Israel. In this regard, we are
working hard toward the dismantling of all terrorist networks. We have
strongly and repeatedly urged Chairman Arafat to take all necessary action
to prevent further terrorist attack and bring to justice those
responsible. When the Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council
visited Ottawa a month ago, I took the opportunity to tell him personally
that there is no alternative to such action if legitimate Palestinian
aspirations are to be realized.
The Canadian government will continue to urge the Palestinian
leadership to eradicate terrorism, while, here at home, we take practical
steps to freeze assets and prohibit fundraising by terrorist groups.
We are also making sure that those who support groups using
terrorism understand our condemnation of their activities. State support
for groups responsible for terrorism is unacceptable. In this context, we
have indicated to Iran and to Syria that we do not condone violence
directed at civilians under any circumstances. We also consider the
smuggling or manufacture of illegal weapons, such as those seized last
January aboard the Karine-A, intolerable. Indeed, any attempts to
develop weapons capacities that would further destabilize the region are
of paramount concern to Canada.
Canada has always maintained that all people in the region have a
right to security and that they should not have to live in the shadow of
terror. All states have a right to recognition and acceptance by their
neighbours. Above all, we believe that recognition, security and freedom
from terror can, in the end, only be realized through a comprehensive
peace settlement achieved at the negotiating table.
These ideals form the basis of Canada’s Middle East policy,
which, since its inception, has been anchored in these principles. We
believe that our stance has given Canada credibility with all parties and
has enabled us to make a full, diverse and positive contribution to the
search for peace in the Middle East.
These tenants of our Middle East policy are longstanding and have
been endorsed by successive Canadian governments. They inform all of our
positions on Middle East questions, including votes on UN resolutions,
statements at international conferences and Canada’s dialogue with the
parties themselves. The Canadian government will continue to be guided by
these principles, and will consistently apply them to the complex and
evolving situation in the region. Canada’s support for the creation
of the State of Israel and the right to exist within secure boundaries is
fundamental to our policy, as is our endorsement of the “land for
peace” formula articulated in Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.
Canada also supports the creation of a viable, independent and democratic
Palestinian state, which will serve to ensure peace in the region. Of
course, as I have emphasized, these objectives can only be realized
through the negotiating process by the parties themselves. Neither
Israelis not Palestinians will be able to live in full dignity, within
secure, internationally recognized borders, until both have agreed to the
terms that enable them to do so.
Other fundamental tenets of Canada’s foreign policy include
support for human rights and a commitments to democratic values and
practices, a commitment that Canada shares with Israel. Indeed, I believe
that it is this mutual commitment to the values of tolerance and the rule
of law that allows us to engage with an openness reserved only for close
partners.
That openness enables Canada, as a friend of Israel, to
question, even in the tense situation that prevails in this very difficult
time, certain practices that we do not believe contribute to peace.
Innocent civilian casualties, regardless of their background or religion,
are not justifiable and ultimately compromise Israel’s image as a vital
and compassionate nation, as well as undermining that hopes of
Palestinians and instilling bitterness – prejudicing the prospects for a
fair-minded peace.
Of course, we recognize Israeli’s right to defend itself and
protect its citizens. But I know something of the opinion and vigorous
debate that takes place in Israel itself and Israelis themselves debate
these concerns as well. What I ask is that we must always be focused on
the achievement of peace, without which Israel’s security cannot be
assured.
I also ask one to remember that Canadian support for Middle East
peace extends beyond our diplomatic efforts with the parties to encompass
practical contributions in a number of important areas. One example is our
work on the refugee issue. Even as the multilateral track of the peace
process is stalled, Canada continues to be involved in the issue, because
we know it is critical for all concerned that this problem be resolved. We
are also working to improve living conditions for Palestinian refugees
now, wherever they are. We are helping the parties prepare to find
solutions that are both realistic and just. New and welcome realism
expressed by some members of the Palestinian leadership and by King
Abdallah of Jordan on the refugee issue lends hope that solutions can be
found even to this most difficult of issues.
We are also working to promote dialogue and exchanges between those
who are ready to meet and to share, in order to help rebuild the
confidence that has been shattered. Our Embassy in Tel Aviv and
Representative Office in Ramallah meet regularly with business people and
opinion leaders from both sides of the Green Line, who are striving to
renew cooperation as soon as the situation permits.
I was personally involved before my appointment as Minister of
Foreign Affairs in an initiation, launched by my House of Commons
colleague Bill Casey, to bring Israeli and Palestinian parliamentarians
together to meet first in Halifax and then in Ottawa. All parties have
endorsed this plan, and organizers are now awaiting the best moment to
undertake what I hope can be a productive exchange. These kinds of
discussions are necessary, not only to keep the lines of communication
open, but also to be better prepared to resolve real issues when official
talks can resume. Canada is a good venue for such meetings precisely
because of our standing with all parties in the region.
As we foster dialogue and discussion between those who are ready to
meet, we are also striving to combat anti-Semitism, incitement and
intolerance emanating from those who seek to create a climate of fear and
distrust. We are currently funding and working with Canadian NGOs such as
Justice Solutions to develop projects that ensure that historical
prejudices are progressively corrected in a new generation of educational
materials in use in the region.
Canada’s development assistance program is also an important
element of our Middle East policy. Our aid program must help to build
civic institutions that will become the base of Palestinian society, for
the Palestinians’ sake and for the region'’. By encouraging measures
to reduce poverty and promote democracy, Canada'’ development assistance
becomes a tool to promote peace and tolerance, and to prevent violence and
extremism.
Questions are often raised about the nature of our aid. Let me
assure you that Canadian development aid in the West Bank and Gaza is
entirely distributed through credible Canadian partners and international
organizations, such as the World Bank, or administered by our own
missions. These funds aim to alleviate poverty and promote development and
are subject to strict criteria. Furthermore, the Israeli government itself
recognizes the value of this endeavour. Prime Minister Sharon, Foreign
Minister Peres and Rabbi Melchior have each expressed their appreciation
for Canada’s assistance to Palestinians, and they have encouraged us to
increase our support as they recognize that economic development is a
necessary condition for peace and stability.
Canadians are justifiably proud of our history as peacekeepers in
the region and pleased to be playing a helpful role in maintaining
stability there. In keeping with our commitment to the UN system, Canada
also believes in a full and vital role for Israel in multilateral affairs,
and we are doing all we can to help.
We have also lent Israel our support in practical ways, by
endorsing Israel’s admission to the Western European and Others Group,
one of five regional groups, in various international forums. Canadian and
Israel delegates continue to make a practice of working together, liaising
on issues and agendas of mutual concern. The above is an excerpt of Mr.
Graham’s speech at the 17th Policy Conference of the
Canada-Israel Committee.
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