NEWS RELEASES

October 1, 2004 (3:30 p.m. EDT) No. 114

MINISTER PETTIGREW RENEWS CALL TO END VIOLENCE
IN ISRAEL AND GAZA STRIP

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today deplored the recent killings of Israeli civilians, including two children, in terrorist attacks.

“Canada has repeatedly condemned terrorism and other indiscriminate attacks against Israeli civilians. We have called on the Palestinian Authority to dismantle terrorist capabilities and infrastructure,” said the Minister.

The Minister also expressed grave concern at the rising death toll of the ensuing Israeli military incursion into a densely populated Gaza Strip refugee camp, which has resulted in the death and injury of many Palestinian civilians, including children.

“We urge Israel to respect its obligations and to take all possible steps to prevent non-combatant, civilian casualties,” added Minister Pettigrew.

The Minister emphasized that military force will not resolve the conflict, and urged both parties to comply with their obligations under the Roadmap and relevant provisions of international law, in particular regarding the protection of civilians.

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