November 28, 2007

The Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of Foreign Affairs
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa , Ontario
K1A 0G2

Dear Minister Bernier,

Re: Your “Statement on Annapolis Conference ” No . 167 - November 27, 2007
While it is encouraging that Canada stand for the resolution of the conflict in Israel-Palestine, it must present itself as an impartial player if this support is to appear genuine.
It is therefore regrettable that while your statement support “the security and well-being of Israel and its legitimate place within the Middle East and the international community,” you do not consider that it is necessary to extend the same rights to Palestinians. Limiting your support for Palestinians to a “democratic, peaceful” state is looking at the conflict through the Israeli prism only, neither fair nor impartial.

Your statement assumes that Israel is peaceful and democratic, and that Palestinians are not. Still, Palestinians living under occupation have no security as their every move, every aspect of their lives is under the control of a foreign army. Furthermore, occupying land against the will of its people is neither legitimate nor democratic.

As the Gavel Holder for Palestinian refugees, our government must at least appear balanced in its approach. We expect that higher standards, not double standards, be used to guide a fair Canadian policy.

Sincerely,

Bahija Réghaï
President / Présidente
National Council on Canada Arab Relations / Conseil national des relations canado-arabes
63 Sparks, Suite 301
Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5A6
Telephone: 613.238.3795
Fax: 613-235.9185
www.nccar.ca

 

Cc: Bob Rae, Foreign Affairs Critic - Liberal Party Cc: Francine Lalonde , Foreign Affairs Critic - Bloc Québécois
Cc: Paul Dewar, Foreign Affairs Critic - New Democratic Party
Cc: Hon. Senator Lucie Pépin - Palestine Parliamentary Association
Cc: Réal Ménard , Canada - Palestine Parliamentary Association