NCCAR Welcomes Canadian Aid to Lebanon; Calls for Canada to Spearhead War Reparations Talks

Ottawa, August 17, 2006 – The National Council on Canada-Arab Relations (NCCAR) welcomes the Canadian government's recent announcement of a $25 million Lebanon Relief Fund to provide emergency humanitarian and reconstruction aid to the country devastated by Israeli attacks, and calls on Canada to spearhead war reparations negotiations.

“Any immediate assistance provided by Canada is much needed to help Lebanese rebuild their lives following the total devastation of civilian infrastructure, homes and industries by Israel,” said Mazen Chouaib, executive director of the National Council on Canada-Arab Relations. “While the $30.5 million in assistance monies over two years is welcome, we believe that, given the scale of the devastation, Canada should consider providing Lebanon with reconstruction and aid funds similar to the $520 million pledged for Haiti over five years.”

Lebanon suffered at least $3.5 billion in direct material losses from Israel's month-long bombardment.

“This is yet another example of the international community having to foot the bill for Israel's destruction of sovereign and occupied lands,” said Mazen Chouaib. “The international community, including Canada, needs to stand up to Israel to prevent it from repeating this kind of devastation.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper acknowledged in his statement yesterday that Canada has a “responsibility to help those suffering from circumstances beyond their control.” NCCAR believes our government should, therefore, consider spearheading negotiations that will lead to Israel paying war reparations for the destruction it has inflicted on Lebanon.