News Release

For Immediate Release 

Ottawa, July 14, 2006 – The National Council on Canada-Arab Relations (NCCAR) is deeply troubled and surprised by Prime Minister Stephen Harper's recent statements describing Israel's military offensive and siege of Lebanon as being "measured," completely disregarding Israel's attacks on civilians in Lebanon and its tactic of collective punishment.

"By making this one-sided statement, Prime Minister Harper has failed to uphold Canadian foreign policy's main guiding principle of respect for international law and respect of human rights for all," said NCCAR Executive Director Mazen Chouaib.

The statement made by Mr. Harper totally disregards Lebanese civilian causalities that are mounting as a result of Israel's disproportionate naval and air attacks. In addition, Mr. Harper has said nothing of Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza that has also resulted in death and destruction among civilians.

NCCAR believes the land and sea blockade on Lebanon is having a devastating impact on the fledging democracy's economy and stability.

Canada's international position as an honest broker in the Middle East has been severely undermined by the Prime Minister's latest statements. Mr. Harper, as the leader of a Western nation interested in regional stability and peace needs to take a position that clearly calls on both Israel and Hezbollah to halt their attacks to avoid escalation of the situation into a war that would have far-reaching consequences in the region and for international security.

NCCAR urges Canada to support the United Nations mission to the region and to work alongside the international community, including Arab and Islamic states, to pressure both parties to bring an end to the conflict.

There are more than 40,000 Canadians residing in Lebanon, and there are many more Lebanese Canadians and Canadians of different origins vacationing in the country. Their welfare and safety is being jeopardized by continued Israeli bombing.

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