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<p><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt">November 8, 2006 <i>(5:00 p.m. EST)</i><br>
No. 128</span></span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt">STATEMENT BY MINISTER MACKAY REGARDING RECENT </span></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt">ESCALATION OF VIOLENCE IN GAZA</span></span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, today issued the following statement in response to the
civilians deaths in the Gaza Strip:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">                              </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">“Canada is concerned by the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and the civilian
casualties resulting from the latest Israeli military operation. We offer our heartfelt
sympathies to the victims and their families. We urge all sides to act with restraint and
to take all measures possible to protect civilians and reduce tensions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">“The Palestinian Authority must take concrete measures to eliminate attacks against
Israel. The statement by a leading Hamas official encouraging attacks against Israel is
disturbing, and once again demonstrates the incompatibility of terrorism and democratic
principles.</span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">“We also understand and recognize Israel’s right to protect its citizens. However, Israel
must assume its responsibility to exercise the utmost caution to prevent civilian
casualties. We welcome Israel’s decision to investigate the shelling.”</span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">- 30 -</span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">For further information, media representatives may contact:</span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
</span><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221104059/http://www.international.gc.ca/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.international.gc.ca</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="color: #000000"></span></span></p>
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