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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">March 29, 2006 <i>(11:55 a.m. EST)</i><br>
No. 30</span></span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">JOINT STATEMENT BY MINISTER MACKAY AND MINISTER VERNER
ON NEW PALESTINIAN GOVERNMENT AND ASSISTANCE TO THE
PALESTINIAN PEOPLE</span></span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay and International Cooperation Minister Josée
Verner today made the following announcement regarding Hamas forming the next
government of the Palestinian Authority and Canada’s assistance to the Palestinians.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">“The Palestinian Legislative Council has approved the formation of a Hamas-led
government,” stated Minister MacKay. “The stated platform of this government has not
addressed the concerns raised by Canada and others concerning non-violence, the
recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including
the Roadmap for Peace. As a result, Canada will have no contact with the members of
the Hamas cabinet and is suspending assistance to the Palestinian Authority,” added
the Minister. “A clear commitment by the Hamas government to the principles that we
and the international community have outlined remains an essential precondition for
Canada to resume any assistance to the Palestinian Authority.”</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">“At the same time, Canada remains committed to the ultimate goal of a negotiated,
two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” said Minister Verner. “Canada also
makes an important distinction between assistance to the Palestinian Authority and to
Palestinians. Working with our partners and through the United Nations, its agencies
and other organizations, Canada will continue to support and respond to the
humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. Canada will also continue to work with
the voices of moderation within Palestinian society.”</span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">- 30 -</span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">For further information, media representatives may contact:</span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
</span></span><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221060948/http://www.international.gc.ca/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.international.gc.ca</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #000000"></span></span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #000000">Media Relations Office<br>
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)<br>
(819) 953-6534<br>
</span></span></span><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221060948/http://www.acdi.gc.ca/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.acdi.gc.ca</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #000000"> </span></span></span></p>
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