The main principles governing Canadian policy with regard to the Arab-Israeli dispute are:
Security of Israel
Canada supports the security, well-being and rights of Israel as a legitimate, independent state. This has been a fundamental aspect of the policy of successive Canadian governments since the foundation of the State of Israel in 1948.
Support for a Comprehensive Peace Settlement
Canada firmly supports the Israel-PLO Peace Agreement signed on September 13, 1993. The Agreement should become a comprehensive agreement based on UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, including the right of all countries in the region to live within secure and recognized boundaries and the requirement for Israeli withdrawal from territories occupied in 1967. Canada also firmly supports the Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty, signed on October 26, 1994.
Occupied Territories
Canada does not recognize permanent Israeli control over the territories occupied in 1967 (the Golan Heights, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip) and opposes all unilateral actions intended to predetermine the outcome of negotiations, including the establishment of settlements in the territories and unilateral moves to annex East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Canada considers such actions to be contrary to international law and unproductive to the peace process.
Rights of Palestinians
Canada recognizes that the legitimate rights of the Palestinians must be realized, including the right to self-determination to be exercised through peace negotiations.
The Palestine Liberation Organization
Canada recognizes the PLO as the principal representative of the Palestinian people. Because Canada has never enforced a ban on all contacts, Canadian officials have met with PLO representatives on various occasions. Previous restrictions on the level of Canadian contact with the PLO were lifted on March 30, 1989.
Palestinian Autonomy
Canada fully supports the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles signed in September 1993. Canada does not recognize the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, as announced in Algiers in November 1988. Canada's position, however, does not exclude the creation of a Palestinian state if that were decided by the parties through negotiations.
Support for Fair-Minded Peace Initiatives
Canada firmly supports constructive peace initiatives, such as the Camp David Accords of 1978-79, the Reagan initiative of September 1982, and the Madrid bilateral negotiations launched in October 1991 by the United States and the former Soviet Union. Canada has also supported the Fez Declaration of the 1982 Arab Summit, calling for Security Council guarantees for all states of the region, including Israel, the decision of the Palestine National Council to accept Security Council Resolution 242 as a basis for peace negotiations, and the mutual recognition announced by Israel and the PLO.
Status of Jerusalem
Canada believes that the status of Jerusalem can be resolved only as part of a general settlement of the Arab-Israeli dispute and opposes Israel's unilateral annexation of East Jerusalem.
Progress through Diplomatic Support and Practical Contributions
Canada is a strong advocate of moderation and of diplomatic support for those who take risks for peace. Canada has emphasized the importance of practical contributions such as participation in peacekeeping forces, support for human rights and the establishment of development assistance programs in the region.
United Nations Resolutions
Canada opposes all attempts to prejudge the outcome of negotiations by one-sided resolutions in international fora. Successive Canadian governments have been concerned that the polemical nature of many resolutions diverts UN agencies from pursuing their mandates. Canada has strongly opposed any move to suspend or expel Israel from the United Nations or its specialized agencies. However, when UN resolutions, such as the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention to the Occupied Territories, have identified Israeli actions as unjust, Canada has supported them along with virtually all of its Western allies.
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Ph.D.(Engineering),Ph.D.(Economics),Ph.D.(Political Science)
Palestine Ambassador to Canada
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