NEWS RELEASES

August 10, 2001 (4:40 p.m. EDT) No. 119

MANLEY DISCUSSES MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

WITH PERES AND ARAFAT

John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and offered his condolences to the Israeli people on the injuries and loss of life in yesterday's suicide bombing in Jerusalem. Mr. Manley also spoke today with Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat.

In his conversations, the Minister urged both parties to exercise restraint in light of recent events and offered to continue to work with them to end the current cycle of violence and return to negotiations.

"All Canadians grieve with Israel following yesterday's tragedy," said Mr. Manley. "However, we must not allow peace to be held hostage by the actions of a suicide bomber."

Minister Manley welcomed Chairman Arafat's condemnation of yesterday's suicide bombing but also called on him to do more to exercise control over those who resort to such detestable acts and other forms of violence.

"I urge Chairman Arafat to speak out publicly against terrorism and other forms of violence and to take stern measures against those who undermine the interests of the Palestinian people by instigating suicide bombing and other abhorrent actions," said Mr. Manley.

Finally, Minister Manley underscored that the Mitchell Commission Report is the best instrument available to the parties to help them end the violence and resume negotiations.

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