SPEECHES
March 1, 2005
LONDON, England
2005/12
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
NOTES FOR AN ADDRESS BY
THE HONOURABLE PIERRE PETTIGREW,
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS,
AT THE LONDON MEETING
ON SUPPORTING THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
After four years of violence and stagnation, we now begin to take a cautious, hopeful
turn on the way back to engagement and the Roadmap.
The unconscionable terror attack of Friday reminds us of the challenges we have yet to
overcome. Those who would seek to destroy this nascent process of peace are well
organized and determined in their terror. That is why the infrastructure of terrorism must
be destroyed. We all have our part to play—the Palestinian Authority, the international
community and the governments of the region. It is important that we send the signal
that terrorism will not succeed in derailing this process.
And although we still have challenges to overcome, there are promising signs of the
Palestinians’ commitment to democracy and security.
The elections—which took place under extraordinary conditions, in the midst of great
enthusiasm, and which were honest and well-run—are the authentic expression of the
will of the Palestinian people to look to the future to build their democratic society and
their state, and to use peaceful means to achieve these goals.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has already demonstrated real vision,
his willingness for change, his determination to combat terror, to enhance security, to
follow a comprehensive program of reforms and economic development, and to put an
end to incitement in Palestinian official media.
We are here to show our willingness to support Mr. Abbas and his agenda, for the
benefit of the Palestinian people.
There are also signs of promise from Israel.
There is Israel’s commendable decision to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and part of the
northern West Bank. Provided that this is carried out successfully in the eyes of both
Israel and the Palestinians, it could mark a turning point in the political context, which
could lead us back to the Roadmap and the negotiating table.
We congratulate Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, whose actions reflect the key role Israel
must play to help the Palestinians build a peaceful and prosperous future.
The withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the release of prisoners, the lifting of restrictions
on the movement of people, the withdrawal from Palestinian towns, and the decision to
coordinate with the Palestinian Authority on security measures and the withdrawal from
Gaza are all positive contributions to the new climate.
These are important first steps by both leaders. More steps will be necessary to achieve
security and prosperity for their peoples.
Within the region, neighbouring states have an important role to play to support the
Palestinian Authority in its commitment to reform, in rebuilding society, in promoting
security and in fostering prosperity. Their voices should be heard, in public and in
private.
The leadership and support of Egypt and Jordan to help the parties move forward has
given impetus and hope to all.
With regard to the United States, we warmly welcome the re-engagement of U.S.
leadership, including the appointment of Lieutenant General [William] Ward. Canada
looks forward to working with him and his team in carrying out his mission, which is of
such importance in terms of providing the parties with the support and confidence they
need to meet their commitments and responsibilities.
Canada’s objective is clear: a return to the Roadmap leading to a permanent settlement
to the conflict and the realization of the two-state vision.
We want to work in close partnership with the parties—and the international
community—to achieve this objective.
We want to support the priorities and plans identified by the Palestinian Authority in the
areas of security, governance and the economy.
We want to build on the Medium Term Development Plan [of the Palestinian National
Authority’s Ministry of Planning], the work of the World Bank, the Ad Hoc Liaison
Committee, the Task Force on Palestinian Reform and the results of our meeting here
in London.
Prime Minister Paul Martin has committed the Canadian government to making a
meaningful contribution to seize this moment of opportunity. We have already been
developing a plan which concentrates on the three priority areas identified in the
background documents for this meeting:
• in the area of governance, by providing assistance toward public sector capacity
building in areas identified by the Palestinian Authority, such as judicial and
municipal reforms;
• in economic development through private sector growth; and
• in security, for example by making a contribution to civilian police reforms as well
as using our expertise in border management to facilitate trade from the West
Bank and Gaza.
We also pledge to support the Palestinian legislative elections.
On the occasion of my visit to the region three weeks ago, the Palestinian Authority
provided me with an assessment of its needs and its priorities. Taking these requests
into account, Canada is preparing to send a mission of experts to determine the
components of a suitable and rapid response.
In this regard, coordination and especially consistency of donor action is key.
We look forward to making real these commitments at an early pledging conference of
the Consultative Group.
The challenges before us are substantial. We know there are those who do not want us
to succeed. That is why we must make resilient our partnership and determination to
move forward.
Canada is here, as friend and partner, to help.
Thank you.
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