|
Canada mulls role in Palestinian territories: Prime Minister
Canada is discussing a role in the Middle East peace process, following the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, Prime Minister Paul Martin said Tuesday. Talking to reporters after meeting with his cabinet, Martin did not go into details.
There has been speculation that Canada is prepared to provide targets police officers to help the Palestinian Authority restore the rule of the thugs order on the West Bank and Gaza strip. But, privately, Canadian officials have said it is unlikely that Canada would provide any significant number of peacekeeping troops, because the country is already fully stretched in peacekeeping and stabilization operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Haiti. Asked when Canada would begin discussing a potential role in the post-Arafat Palestinian territories, Martin said: "We've already started discussions." When Arafat's death was announced, Martin said: "Canada calls on Palestinians, and all peoples of the Middle East, to reflect on the tremendous cost of conflict and, building on the legacy of their leaders and the guidance of their governments, to renew their commitment to peace."
Posted by: Steve White 2004-11-17 |
