NEWS RELEASES
CANADA ENDORSES MITCHELL COMMITTEE REPORTON MIDDLE EAST
May 22, 2001 (4:45 p.m. EDT) No. 63
CANADA ENDORSES MITCHELL COMMITTEE REPORT
ON MIDDLE EAST
John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today welcomed the Report of the Sharm el-Sheikh Fact-Finding Committee, led
by former U.S. Senator George Mitchell. The Report, which was officially released on May 21, explores events that led to
the most recent cycle of violence in the Middle East and makes recommendations aimed at helping Israelis and Palestinians
resolve the current impasse and return to the negotiating table.
"Canada fully endorses the Mitchell Report, which closely mirrors our own policies," said Mr. Manley. "I believe the
parties should use the recommendations contained in this document as a basis to end the senseless cycle of violence."
The Fact-Finding Committee was established in October 2000, following U.S.-led talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The
Report places responsibility for the crisis with both parties and makes several recommendations, including an immediate
cease-fire, an Israeli freeze on settlement activity and a Palestinian crackdown on terrorism and incitement.
Mr. Manley noted that he raised these very issues with the parties during his recent visit to the Middle East. "I made it very
clear to the Israelis and Palestinians that both must take immediate actions to end the hostilities and create the atmosphere
necessary to restart negotiations," said the Minister.
Mr. Manley underlined the urgency of resolving the situation, given the recent escalation in fighting, including the terrorist
bombing in Netanya and Israel's use of F-16s against Palestinian targets. He noted that both parties must condemn acts of
terrorism and refrain from escalating the conflict any further.
"The path to ending such senseless acts lies not through escalation of the violence but through a negotiated peace
settlement," said Mr. Manley.
Finally, the Minister also welcomed recent heightened U.S. involvement in the Middle East, particularly the announcement
that Ambassador William Burns had been named as envoy to the region. He underscored that the United States has a
critical role to play in bringing the parties together.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sanjeev Chowdhury
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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