Canada's Diplomatic Actions
Questions & Answers
What diplomatic action has Canada taken since the tragic events of September 11?
Canada has pledged its solidarity with the United States in the fight against terrorism. We are engaged in an ongoing diplomatic campaign to build and maintain broad international support for the fight against terrorism. This is a multi-layered effort with political, security, legal, financial and humanitarian dimensions. At a series of important bilateral visits and international meetings, Canada has emphasized its commitment to fighting terrorism, reinvigorating the Middle East Peace Process and maintaining international support for the coalition.
On December 22, Canada, along with governments from around the world, welcomed the new Interim Administration of Afghanistan. The Interim Administration is intended to be the first step toward the establishment of a broad-based, inclusive and fully representative government.
With whom is Canada working to build international support against terrorism?
Canada is working with other countries individually and multilaterally, including at the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the G8, the Organization of American States and in many other forums. Canada will advance the anti-terrorist agenda in every international body and at every summit and important international gathering in which we participate. For example, at the Ninth APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting held in Shanghai, China, on October 20 and 21, 2001, leaders called for specific anti-terrorism action to be taken within APEC and other international fora in a number of areas, including financial measures, international transportation, customs and energy security.
In October 2001, the Prime Minister also created the Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers on Public Security and Anti-Terrorism. The Committee helped keep us in close touch with the U.S. and other countries in defining concrete measures to fight terrorism.
Is Canada reaching out to non-traditional partners?
Yes. Canada's Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister have been speaking with world leaders on a regular basis to maintain their support for a strong international coalition against terrorism. We are talking not only with our traditional partners, but also reaching out to leaders in the Arab and Islamic world, as well as other important players, such as China and Russia, whose support is key. The Minister of Foreign Affairs' visit to the Middle East was aimed at seeking the widest possible coalition to fight terrorism and create a more secure world. We are encouraged by the many strong signals of support, the broad receptiveness to U.S. efforts to build a coalition, and the universal condemnation of the September 11 attacks. The Government of Canada has assured Canadians and other governments that the target of our efforts is not any specific religion or ethnic group. The target is terrorism and its support system.
What sort of humanitarian aid is Canada providing
We are actively providing humanitarian assistance to people in the region affected by this crisis and will continue to look at ways to enhance this support as needed, in concert with other donors. So far, some 5000 metric tonnes of Canadian wheat and lentils have been shipped to Afghanistan and its border regions where the food was distributed to Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons, principally through non-governmental organizations.
Over the past 10 years, Canada has provided approximately $150 million in assistance to Afghanistan, a substantial part of which was for Afghan refugees. Afghanistan is the largest Asian recipient of Canada's emergency relief. Prime Minister Chrétien recently announced a further $5 million in assistance for Afghan refugees, bringing our total contribution to $16 million since the crisis began.
Is Canada providing any help to Pakistan?
Canada is supporting Pakistan in its courageous decision to assist in bringing terrorists to justice. We are identifying ways to support Pakistan through concrete economic, development and humanitarian assistance. Canada has eased sanctions against Pakistan and will convert up to $447 million in outstanding loans, owed by Pakistan to the Canadian International Development Agency, to be used for development programming in the social sector. In Pakistan, Canadian representatives are working to reinforce support for Pakistan's decision to be of assistance.
What is the UN's role?
Canada believes that the UN must play a lead role in the global fight against terrorism. We were pleased that both the General Assembly and the Security Council moved quickly to adopt resolutions condemning the September 11 attacks. Canada particularly welcomes Security Council Resolution 1373 of September 28, which calls on states to take specific steps to choke the flow of funds to terrorists and to sever their support networks. We applaud the United Nations for taking this practical action against terrorism. Canada has moved swiftly to enforce the provisions of Resolution 1373.
Is UN authorization needed for any military action?
The use of force in self-defence is already authorized under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Security Council Resolution 1368, adopted immediately after the September 11 attacks, recognizes the Article 51 right to self-defence.
What is the role of the Canadian Forces?
On February 1, Canada sent about 750 soldiers to the Kandahar region of Afghanistan. Their tasks range from assisting in the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the Afghan people, to participating in combat operations. About 130 troops will be deployed to the same region in mid-March.
The Canadian Forces (CF) form part of the U.S.-led multinational coalition campaign against terrorism. Approximately 2,400 CF members are currently committed to Operation APOLLO. The U.S. request for Canadian assistance is based on the knowledge and confidence of our allies in the ability of the Canadian Forces to make significant contributions to international security.
Is Canada also working through NATO?
Canada strongly supported NATO's move to invoke Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, which states that an armed attack against one or more of the Allies shall be considered an attack against them all. On October 1, 2001, the U.S. presented compelling evidence of the involvement of Osama bin Laden and his network, which was the trigger for invoking Article 5. It is up to NATO members to decide on how to assist the U.S. collectively and individually in responding to the attacks
For more information about Article 5, please visit the NATO site.
For more information on Canada and NATO
How will the fight against terrorism affect Canada's G8 presidency?
Canada played a key role in the adoption of the G8 leaders' action-oriented statement against terrorism, which touched on financial measures, aviation security, arms exports control, security cooperation and other issues. Fighting terrorism has long been on the G8 agenda. We are active in stepped-up counterterrorism work in the G8, focused on practical action against emerging threats such as chemical and biological weapons, as well as on ways to help countries implement existing counterterrorism conventions. Anti-terrorism will be a key focus of Canada's G8 presidency in 2002.
Is Canada taking any action in the Middle East?
There can be no doubt that international cooperation will be our most critical tool in the campaign against terrorism. Direct engagement of key Middle Eastern states is the best way to secure their support. The Minister's recent trip to the region formed part of that effort. In its ongoing dialogue with governments in the Middle East, the Canadian government continues to urge forward momentum in the peace process. Contacts with Arab leaders continue to stress coalition building in the fight against terrorism.
What about our relationship with the United States?
We have intensified our bilateral exchanges with the U.S., covering the range of issues resulting from September 11. There has been an unprecedented level of discussion between federal Cabinet ministers and their American counterparts on issues such as border security. On December 12, the governments of both countries signed a declaration for the creation of a Smart Border for the 21st century. This Declaration outlines our shared commitment to develop a border that securely facilitates the free flow of people and commerce, and reflects the largest trading relationship in the world.
Is there a role for the Commonwealth?
Yes. The Commonwealth Heads of Government have long recognized the danger terrorism poses to the fundamental values of the Commonwealth, and have reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism through the release of a Commonwealth Statement on Terrorism.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government discussed terrorism at their most recent summit in Coolum, Australia, March 2 to 5, 2002.
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