 
Concerns re lack of balance in Canada’s response to the
outcomes of the Israeli and Palestinian elections
A Letter to Foreign Affairs Minister Peter
MacKay
April 10, 2006
The Honourable Peter MacKay
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Government of Canada
Dear Mr. MacKay,
Canada’s response to recent developments in the Middle East
has raised concern on the part of many Canadians.
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives unites eleven churches
and church agencies in action for justice and peace. For over three
decades, our members have worked, on an ecumenical basis, in partnership
and solidarity with Palestinian and Israeli non-governmental organizations,
united in a common commitment to a just peace for both peoples.
Over the years, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
has supported our work in the region.
KAIROS is deeply troubled by the lack of balance in Canada’s
response to the outcomes of the Israeli and Palestinian elections.
We are also most concerned about Israel’s recent declaration
that it intends to draw unilaterally its final borders along the
current route of the wall. This declaration represents a violation
of International Law, including UN Security Council Resolution 242,
which has long been a cornerstone of Canadian foreign policy. It
also violates the views of the International Court of Justice as
well as the much-trumpeted RoadMap, which is the framework recognized
by Canada for resolution of final status issues.
On the ground, such a measure will defacto annex to Israel over
300,000 West Bank and East Jerusalem settlers and a minimum of 135,000
acres which they illegally occupy. Despite its contention that the
wall is a “temporary” security measure, Israel has thus
far failed to make the case as to why a wall constructed entirely
on the Israeli side of the Green Line would not have been as effective
in providing for security inside Israel. Indeed, Prime Minister
Olmert’s recent declaration that the wall will serve as the
final border lays bare the extent to which the wall’s real
purpose is to annex the large settlement blocs of Ariel (22 km inside
the West Bank), Gush Etzion (with 50,000 settlers), and Maaleh Adumim
(in East Jerusalem) to Israel proper.
The size and location of these settlements, connected as they are
by a vast network of for-Israeli-only bypass roads, and their enormous
usurpation of West Bank water resources all combine to make virtually
impossible a contiguous Palestinian State. The recognition of the
Palestinians’ right to live in a viable and contiguous state
has long been a cornerstone of Canadian foreign policy. And yet,
our Canadian government has said little to protest its passing.
In contrast, the Canadian government has been very critical of
the Palestinians. We are particularly concerned about the decision
to suspend all direct contact with Hamas members of the Palestinian
Authority. The Palestinian people have embraced their democratic
right to choose their leadership and have proven themselves capable
to hold their leaders accountable. Disregarding the Palestinian
Authority and withholding funds from it will undermine the strides
of the Palestinian people towards transparency, accountability and
good governance. Ignoring Hamas will increase its sense of isolation,
push it further away from moderation and ignores opportunities to
negotiate change.
We commend Canada for continuing with the humanitarian support
that is so urgently required for the growing needs of the Palestinian
people. We urge Canada to continue its support of programs for building
civil society and promoting democracy. We further urge the Canadian
government to act in accordance with the Speech from the Throne
which states: “This government is committed to supporting
Canada's core values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and
human rights around the world,” backed up by “a more
robust diplomatic role for Canada.” We call on our government
to fully support Israeli and Palestinian democracy. Building on
our reputation as a balanced and respected peace-builder, we believe
that the time has definitely come for Canada to spearhead an international
effort for a new peace process anchored in respect for international
law and human rights in the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict.
Our members and our partners in the region reject violence and
respect Israel’s right to live securely within the pre-1967
borders. Canada is exerting pressure on Hamas to renounce violence
and recognize Israel. At the same time, Canada and other Western
governments must exert stronger pressure on Israel to end the occupation
and recognize the Palestinians’ right to live in a viable
and secure Palestinian state with territorial contiguity in the
West Bank and connectivity to Gaza. A peaceful solution can only
come when the rights of both sides are respected.
We are requesting an early meeting with you in order to discuss
these urgent matters. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Mary Corkery
Executive Director
KAIROS
Cc: Stephane Dion, Foreign Affairs Critique - Liberal Party
Cc: Francine Lalonde, Foreign Affairs Critique - Bloc Quebecois
Cc: Alexa McDonough, Foreign Affairs Critique - New Democratic
Party
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