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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">March 23, 2005</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt"> <i>(3:30 p.m. EST)</i><br>
No. 48</span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">MINISTER PETTIGREW URGES ISRAEL TO ABANDON PLAN TO
EXPAND WEST BANK SETTLEMENT</span></span></p>
<br>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement
concerning Israel’s authorization to construct approximately 3,500 new homes in the
West Bank, and other recent developments in the Middle East:</p>
<br>
<p>“Canada is disappointed by the Israeli government’s decision to build more housing
units in the West Bank and urges the Israeli government to reconsider this decision.
Canada calls upon both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to fulfill their reciprocal
obligations under the Quartet’s Roadmap for Peace.</p>
<br>
<p>“Canada has repeatedly emphasized to Israel that these settlements are inconsistent
with international law. This development runs contrary to the commitments Israel made
in the Quartet’s Roadmap.</p>
<br>
<p>“Furthermore, this announcement is out of step with renewed signs of cooperation
between Israelis and Palestinians. Recent agreements at Sharm el Sheikh and in Cairo,
Egypt, aimed at improving the security situation for Israelis and Palestinians, and the
planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and portions of the West Bank, are important
and positive developments for all parties.</p>
<br>
<p>“Canada, in concert with its G8 and other partners, has renewed its commitment to help
Israel and the Palestinian Authority at this crucial time. It is imperative that all of the
parties do their utmost to maintain positive momentum in order to fully capitalize on
these commitments.”</p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center">- 30 -</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<br>
<p>Sébastien Théberge<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs<br>
(613) 995-1851</p>
<br>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070220185922/http://www.international.gc.ca/"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.international.gc.ca</span></span></a><span style="color: #000000"></span></p>
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