How Canada can make a difference in the Middle East

Printed in the National Post, by Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Peter MacKay, 31 January 2007

Last week I visited the Middle East for the first time as Canada's Foreign Minister. I went to see and listen for myself. While there, I met with political, business and community leaders. I visited a Palestinian refugee camp in Bethlehem. At Yad Vashem in Jerusalem I reflected on the full meaning of "never again" and paid my respects to the millions who perished in the Holocaust. I have gained a better understanding of the complexities of the region, the conflict and the relationships between Israel and its Arab neighbours. I would like to share something of what I learned with fellow Canadians.

First, Canada's firm and clear positions to stand up for freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law --and stand against terrorism and extremism -- is respected and understood by our partners in the region. They recognize that our positions are driven by these principles and not by ideology. For this, we are considered a friend and a partner.

Second, I saw that Canadian assistance is making a difference in the lives of Palestinians. While Canada has been clear on its policy of no contact and no funding to the terrorist group Hamas, we have increased assistance provided through the UN that reaches the Palestinian people directly. I saw, firsthand, our aid money at work when I visited a school at the Aida refugee camp in the West Bank, where Canadian dollars help provide a decent education for young girls, and thereby create new hopes for the future. The Canadian government has provided more than $20-million through UN and other international organizations, and we are looking at ways of doing more.

But, we are not only considering ways of giving more assistance. We are also looking at how we can help address some of this conflict's most complex issues. Canada has a role and responsibility as a leader on the issue of Palestinian refugees. We will work with all interested and willing partners to explore ways of helping to resolve this question when the parties are ready to do so. Our views and our expertise, our practical contribution and advice are welcome.

Third, I spoke frankly with both Palestinian and Israeli leaders.

I discussed with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas his plans to deal with the challenges that lay ahead for him and the Palestinian people. I reminded him that the essential first step for Palestinians toward peace is ending terror and violence and building strong democratic institutions for a vibrant and accountable society. Reform of his Fatah party must be a top priority and he needs to give the Palestinian people real options and a real choice for true democratic governance. Violence in Gaza and the West Bank, and continued attacks against Israel -- such as rocket attacks on the town of Sderot and this week's tragic suicide bombing in Eilat -- must come to an end to build trust in the peace process. He said he was ready to push this forward but that he needed support -- from us, the Quartet (United States, Russia, the European Union, the United Nations), the Arab world and of course, from Israel.

In my meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, I reiterated Canada's understanding that the protection of one's citizens is the first task of any responsible government. I expressed our position that Israel's security in the long run also depends on the ability of the Palestinians to prosper in dignity and in peace. I expressed concern over the route of the barrier; and said that settlements or continued settlement growth is counterproductive on the peace front. I told them that Canada's position remains that the establishment of a democratic, viable, and peaceful Palestinian state is essential to a comprehensive settlement of this longstanding conflict.

I learned that ordinary Israelis and Palestinians are frustrated with the conflict and the violence. They want solutions and the prospect of a peaceful future.

I also found that there was shared concern about Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's regime in Iran and the dangerous direction it is headed with its nuclear weapons aspirations and its antagonistic role in the region. I shared Canada's deep concerns and discussed our efforts to date -- in the International Atomic Energy Agency, the G8, the UN and with friends and partners -- to address this challenge. I explained that Canada takes the position that all non-military options to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons must be widely and creatively explored.

This trip revealed that Canada has real credibility and influence. Jordanians, Israelis and Palestinians all asked me to ensure that Canada play a more active role in the region. They believe that we can play a role in finding new approaches and perspectives to old problems. I am committed to doing just that.