Canada takes firm pro-Israel line at G8 summit
JPOST
DEAUVILLE, France – Group of Eight leaders had to soften a statement urging Israel and the Palestinians to return to negotiations because Canada objected to a specific mention of 1967 borders, diplomats said on Friday.
Canada’s right-leaning Conservative government has adopted a staunchly pro-Israel position in international negotiations since coming to power in 2006, with Prime Minister Stephen Harper saying Canada will back Israel whatever the cost.
Diplomats involved in Middle East discussions at the G8 summit said Ottawa had insisted that no mention of Israel’s pre-1967 borders be made in the leaders’ final communique, even though most of the other leaders wanted a mention.
“The Canadians were really very adamant, even though Obama expressly referred to 1967 borders in his speech last week,” one European diplomat said.
A spokesman for Harper would not comment on the line Canada had taken, saying only that the final communique would make positions clear.
In the final communique, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters, the leaders call for the immediate resumption of peace talks but do not mention 1967, the year Israel seized the West Bank and Gaza from Jordan and Egypt during the Six-Day War.
“Negotiations are the only way toward a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict,” the communique said.
“The framework for these negotiations is well known. We urge both parties to return to substantive talks with a view to concluding a framework agreement on all final status issues.
“To that effect, we express our strong support for the vision of Israeli-Palestinian peace outlined by President Obama on May 19, 2011.”
In his speech last week, Obama said pre-1967 borders should be a basis of talks to achieve a negotiated settlement, although he also acknowledged any agreement would ultimately involve land swaps on either side of the border.
That position was rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said Israel would be indefensible if it returned entirely to the borders that existed before 1967.
Canada’s strong backing for Israel was cited by diplomats last year as one reason why Ottawa failed to win a rotating two-year seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Harper has made is position on Israel very clear, saying last year:
-
“When Israel, the only country in the world whose very existence is under attack, is consistently and conspicuously singled out for condemnation, I believe we are morally obligated to take a stand.”
Buh-bye, Canada
I would like to know what “standing up for Israel” actually means when it comes from the P.M. of Canada? Are these more empty words, or is he actually planning to stand with the US people who have always overwhelmingly supported Israel in cash, kind, blood and treasure, and even confront Imam Obama in the 18 months he has left?
Give me a break, people! I hate to break up this veritable verbal orgy of mind-numbed self-delusion, even as I welcome Canada to the party because Israel needs every ally it can get. Don’t get me wrong – Stephen Harper is the closest thing that Canada has to a true conservative – even if all he has to contribute to the defense of Israel is sweet words and maple syrup.
Let me refresh everyone’e memory – a year or so ago Canadian Jews were getting similarly verbally orgasmic when the very same Stephen Harper told a Jewish audience that Canada would confront anti-Semitism in Canada “no matter the cost”. After thus beating his chest, and making his audience swoon, he then ran and hid under his desk when ACTUAL anti-Semitism raised its ugly head at York University, Canada’s notorious center of virulent anti-Semitism. There was not a peep out of Stephen Harper to confront the routine incidences of anti-Semitism at York University – an institution seemingly dominated by Islamic extremists.
The excuse from the Canadians was that there’s little a P.M. can do because Canadians have freedom of speech. Of course they do and all the anti-Semitism in Canada falls under freedom of speech, does it not? So, then, why was Harper bragging about confronting such anti-Semitic freedom of speech “no matter the cost” instead of using his own freedom of speech by bashing it whenever it raises its ugly head?
So, when you write to Stephen Harper, tell him you want to see some action, not mere words like the last time. Come to think of it, if maple syrup can be sprayed on the terrorists, perhaps the ants can do the rest:-))
The people of the USA have historically supported Israel although Leftist politicians for many decades have not. The current ‘president’, obummer, is worse than any of them. He not only hates Israel and Jews but is actually pushing arab countries to attack her!
A huge thanks to Prime Minister Stephen Harper for standing with Israel!
Frank
Okiehoma, USA
Each time I hear Harper speak of his commitment to Israel, I am so in awe and sooo proud of our leader, and of Canada. May G-d continue to bless Israel and those who stand up for Israel. And yes let’s all send masses of e-mails to the federal gov’t and especially Stephen Harper each time he speaks and supports Israel. It’s good to have all the e-mails of your reps in the federal gov’t on our contact lists!!
Shalom
I am fortunate to be Canadian and have you as our Prime Minister. Your true friendship to Israel & strength to standup against world opinion is remarkable.
May G-d bless you.
I am so glad Canada is standing with Israel (God’s chosen people} Just wait God is going to bless Canada in ways we cannot count…He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her…..I live in America and I am so concerned about Obama’s stand against Israel…..Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for America that we can return to our christian roots…..before it is too tooo late….
So very proud to be a Canadian when our leader stands up for Israel. Stephen Harper is also aware of the 1920 San Remo agreement. I sent it to him.
Why not send a thank-you note to Canada’s PM, Stephen Harper? His email address is:
pm@pm.gc.ca
Comments on IsraPundit are fine, but the PM’s staff needs to see your email.
“the year Israel seized the West Bank and Gaza from Jordan and Egypt during the Six-Day War.” In fact, Israel was ruthlessly attacked by surrounding Arab nations and it was in defense that Israel obtained not seized the West Bank (Judea, Samaria and Galilee) and Gaza. Look at a map of the Middle East – good grief. Give the Jews their land historically and archaeologically.
We in Canada have waited for decades to be freed of the double-dealing, double-talking and “nuanced” Liberal party to be finally dislodged from the powerful perch that seemed to go on for ever. Finally to have a man such as Stephen Harper, and his “merry men,” in charge is a dream come true. That Mr. Harper can speak the truth in fora where the truth has become a captive of the Stockholm syndrom is a blessing beyond all hope.
Perhaps, the hypocrites that pass themselves off as “world leaders” will take courage from Mr. Harper’s example and join him in confronting our common enemies.
Hopefully, the UK, France, Sweden, Holland and other EU countries that have the same values as Canada, will follow suit and make themslves clear….
As a British Jew I can only echo previous posters and say G-d bless Mr. Harper and the Canadian people who elected him and God bless Canada, for not jumping on the anti Israel bandwagon. It is refreshing to see righteous principles triumph in a world dominated by self interested hypocrites.If only Britain and the US would take a similar stand, we would see justice prevail.
G-d bless Mr. Harper and the Canadian people who elected him. God bless Canada, for not jumping on the anti Israel bandwagon. It is refreshing to see righteous principles triumph in a world dominated by self interested hypocrites.If only Britain and the US would take a similar stand, we would see justice prevail.
Thank you Prime Minister Harper
It is refreshing to see righteous principles triumph in a world dominated by self interested hypocrites. Harper has my vote for ever.
This kind of moral courage represents true leadership.
I am a Proud Canadian, and I stand strong with Prime Minister Harper. Israel and it’s people are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.God Bless Freedom.
What a puff of fresh air, after so many years of misguided “even-handedness” from previous Liberal governments. Prime Minister Harper’s stand on principles is most welcome, once again. Bravo, Mr. Harper!
G-d bless Mr. Harper and the Canadian people who elected him. He is the only Mentch among the “leaders” of the still free world. May he be granted a long and fruitful life. And I, for one, will be spending my vacation in Canada. Thank you Canada.
Once again I’m proud to be canadian. Harper we love you for your moral clarity and your stand in the face of so much denial by MSM. Israel we stand on guard for thee no matter what…… AMEN
I feel privileged to be a citizen of a great country that does not behave like the majority of Israel hating UNITED NATIONS. As a daughter of Holocaust survivors, the pain and discrimination the Jews felt, is constantly perpetuated by nations who demonize Israel.
I am proud of Stephen Harper and other members of parliament for their unwavering support.
Sima Aronowicz
Mr Harper makes me proud to be Canadian. He is a Righteous Leader, who will always have my vote and my commitment to do what is right. Bless you. Be encouraged and strengthened that you are covered in Prayer.
God bless Canada, for not jumping on the “Blame the Jew” bandwagon. Canada is not just helping Israel; they’re doing so, at the expense of offending their peers. That takes courage and commitment — and REAL friendship.
May G-d bless Mr. Harper and others like him. When a country doesn’t have many friends, it honors those few.