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Harper outlines terms for Palestinian aid
Ottawa Future Canadian aid to the Palestinian government will depend on its support for three key benchmarks, says Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Future assistance to any new Palestinian government will be reviewed against that government's commitment to the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, Mr. Harper said in a statement released after the phone call.Unless the conditions are met, Canada could cut off assistance to the Palestinian government, a Harper spokesman signalled. That is a possibility, said William Stairs. The prime minister said that providing assistance to a Palestinian government that doesn't commit to those principles . . . would be difficult. Any government that sits in the Palestinian Authority cannot have as one of its goals violence and the destruction of Israel. Mr. Stairs couldn't say whether Mr. Abbas agreed with Mr. Harper's stand, and said he wasn't aware of any other issues of importance discussed by the two leaders. Mr. Abbas called Tuesday to congratulate Mr. Harper on his Jan. 23 election victory. In his written statement, Mr. Harper commended Mr. Abbas for his leadership and commitment to the peace process in the Middle East. During this interim period, President Abbas has Canada's full support, added Mr. Harper, although our government will continue to review the situation on an ongoing basis. Posted by: Steve White 2006-02-15 |
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