Harper won't talk to Hamas, Hezbollah
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Canada wont talk with Hamas and Hezbollah, describing the two Islamic groups as genocidal. However, in a CTV interview to be aired Saturday, Harper acknowledged the need for dialogue in solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He says its impossible to negotiate with groups that advocate violence and want to wipe out Israel.
Harper says under previous governments, Canada has been completely absent in Mideast peace efforts, rather than playing the role as a neutral, honest broker. He says his government wants to find ways of dealing with the Palestinian Authority through President Mahmoud Abbas, who belongs to the secular Fatah party. Harper has been criticized for his staunch support of Israel after his election and again this summer during Israels bombardment of Lebanon.
Posted by: Fred 2006-12-22 |