Felix the Cat
04-04-2006, 10:48 PM
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=86c5eae8-687d-44a1-91e9-9b3ce259c2f0&k=86288
OTTAWA -- Canada has become the first country after Israel to cut funding and diplomatic ties to the Palestinian Authority over the new Hamas government's refusal to renounce violence.
The Conservatives say they will still offer humanitarian aid to Palestinians through the United Nations and other agencies.
But Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay said Wednesday that Ottawa cannot go farther.
"As you know, Hamas is a terrorist organization -- listed in this country -- and we cannot send any direct aid to an organization that refuses to renounce terrorist activity, refuses to renounce violence.''
The news shocked pro-Palestine groups who fear aid will be cut to those living in squalid refugee camps.
A major Jewish organization welcomed the decision.
MacKay made the announcement after the Palestinian Legislative Council approved the formation of a Hamas-led government. The group won a surprise victory in the Jan. 25 Palestinian elections.
Hamas has since been pressed by Canada, the European Union and other countries to change its ways.
MacKay says Hamas has ignored those calls.
"The stated platform of this government has not addressed the concerns raised by Canada and others concerning non-violence, the recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap for Peace.
"As a result, Canada will have no contact with the members of the Hamas cabinet and is suspending assistance to the Palestinian Authority.''
MacKay added that the new government must make a "clear commitment'' to peace before Canada will end the diplomatic freeze.
International Co-operation Minister Josee Verner stressed that Canada supports a negotiated end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"Canada also makes an important distinction between assistance to the Palestinian Authority and to Palestinians.
"Canada will continue to support and respond to the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people'' through the UN and other agencies, she said. "Canada will also continue to work with the voices of moderation within Palestinian society.''
That was little comfort for Faraj Nakhleh, acting president of the Canadian Arab Federation.
"What is at stake is that there's a population of about 3.5 million people in the West Bank and Gaza that is starving.''
After decades of Israeli occupation, Palestinians are now effectively being punished for democratically electing a government they believe can help, he said.
"Suddenly we're saying: `It's okay to have a democratic vote, but if we don't like the result then you can't have that.'
"I'm not defending any Hamas group. All I'm saying is, they were elected.''
At the very least, Canada and other countries should be making the same peaceful demands of Israel, says Wahida Valiante, national vice-president of the Canadian Islamic Congress.
"It's a two-way street.
"Canada is blindly following the lead of Washington,'' and of pro-Israel lobby groups, she said.
Cutting off contact will not help Palestine improve its democratic systems, Valiante says.
Ottawa has been sending $25 million a year to Palestine but the Liberals had planned hefty increases.
Instead, the $25 million will now be cut by $7.3 million to $17.7 million, said Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Marie-Christine Lilkoff.
Liberal MP Keith Martin visited the West Bank in August.
"It was profoundly tragic,'' he said. "Palestinian people live in abhorrent conditions. Yet, they desperately want to become self-sufficient.
"Unfortunately, violent radicals impede the ability of the Palestinian people to move forward with an independent state, side by side with an independent and secure Israel.''
Frank Dimant of B'Nai Brith welcomed the decision.
"Canada has stood true to its principles by refusing to do business with a terrorist entity whose avowed aim continues to be the destruction of the Jewish state.''
OTTAWA -- Canada has become the first country after Israel to cut funding and diplomatic ties to the Palestinian Authority over the new Hamas government's refusal to renounce violence.
The Conservatives say they will still offer humanitarian aid to Palestinians through the United Nations and other agencies.
But Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay said Wednesday that Ottawa cannot go farther.
"As you know, Hamas is a terrorist organization -- listed in this country -- and we cannot send any direct aid to an organization that refuses to renounce terrorist activity, refuses to renounce violence.''
The news shocked pro-Palestine groups who fear aid will be cut to those living in squalid refugee camps.
A major Jewish organization welcomed the decision.
MacKay made the announcement after the Palestinian Legislative Council approved the formation of a Hamas-led government. The group won a surprise victory in the Jan. 25 Palestinian elections.
Hamas has since been pressed by Canada, the European Union and other countries to change its ways.
MacKay says Hamas has ignored those calls.
"The stated platform of this government has not addressed the concerns raised by Canada and others concerning non-violence, the recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap for Peace.
"As a result, Canada will have no contact with the members of the Hamas cabinet and is suspending assistance to the Palestinian Authority.''
MacKay added that the new government must make a "clear commitment'' to peace before Canada will end the diplomatic freeze.
International Co-operation Minister Josee Verner stressed that Canada supports a negotiated end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"Canada also makes an important distinction between assistance to the Palestinian Authority and to Palestinians.
"Canada will continue to support and respond to the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people'' through the UN and other agencies, she said. "Canada will also continue to work with the voices of moderation within Palestinian society.''
That was little comfort for Faraj Nakhleh, acting president of the Canadian Arab Federation.
"What is at stake is that there's a population of about 3.5 million people in the West Bank and Gaza that is starving.''
After decades of Israeli occupation, Palestinians are now effectively being punished for democratically electing a government they believe can help, he said.
"Suddenly we're saying: `It's okay to have a democratic vote, but if we don't like the result then you can't have that.'
"I'm not defending any Hamas group. All I'm saying is, they were elected.''
At the very least, Canada and other countries should be making the same peaceful demands of Israel, says Wahida Valiante, national vice-president of the Canadian Islamic Congress.
"It's a two-way street.
"Canada is blindly following the lead of Washington,'' and of pro-Israel lobby groups, she said.
Cutting off contact will not help Palestine improve its democratic systems, Valiante says.
Ottawa has been sending $25 million a year to Palestine but the Liberals had planned hefty increases.
Instead, the $25 million will now be cut by $7.3 million to $17.7 million, said Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Marie-Christine Lilkoff.
Liberal MP Keith Martin visited the West Bank in August.
"It was profoundly tragic,'' he said. "Palestinian people live in abhorrent conditions. Yet, they desperately want to become self-sufficient.
"Unfortunately, violent radicals impede the ability of the Palestinian people to move forward with an independent state, side by side with an independent and secure Israel.''
Frank Dimant of B'Nai Brith welcomed the decision.
"Canada has stood true to its principles by refusing to do business with a terrorist entity whose avowed aim continues to be the destruction of the Jewish state.''