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<title>CANADA CONCERNED OVER INCREASED TENSIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong></strong></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>April 18, 2001 <em>(5:15 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 48</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"> </font><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA CONCERNED OVER INCREASED TENSIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST</strong></font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p>John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East,
including attacks across borders. </p>
<p>"Everything must be done to stop this senseless cycle of attack and retaliation that leads absolutely nowhere," said Mr.
Manley. "All parties in the region must work toward reining in those who are bent on violence." </p>
<p>Mr. Manley said that Canada was closely monitoring events along Israel's northern border. "Israel fulfilled its obligations
under United Nations Security Council Resolution 425 when it withdrew from Lebanese territory in May 2000. Recent
attacks by Hezbollah demonstrate once again the need for Lebanon to deploy its military in force in the south."</p>
<p>Regarding Israeli air strikes against Syrian positions, Mr. Manley said that he was concerned by the escalation. "History has
demonstrated that there is no military solution to the Arab-Israeli differences. A solution can be found only through
negotiations." </p>
<p>Minister Manley also said that efforts by Jordan and Egypt could help to resolve the current difficulties for both parties. "I
commend the mission to Israel of Jordanian Foreign Minister Khatib. I believe that both the Israelis and Palestinians should
build on this initiative to find a way to calm the situation."</p>
<p>Commenting on the mortar attacks on Israel and Israeli positions from Palestinian- controlled areas and resulting Israeli
incursions, Mr. Manley said that both parties must realize that violence on either side will not serve a purpose. "The
Palestinian Authority must do everything in its power to end attacks such as the firing of mortars from territory within its
control, and must demonstrate that it is making efforts to combat terrorism. For its part, Israel must refrain from incursions
into Palestinian-controlled territory, and from expanding the illegal settlements in the occupied territories."<font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Sanjeev Chowdhury </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Press Secretary</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
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