Statement by Ambassador John McNee Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations
to the 61st Session of the General Assembly on the Question of Palestine

New York, November 30, 2006

Mr. President,

Canada has always been, and remains, wholly committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. We support Israel’s right to live within secure borders, free from the threat of violence, conflict and terror. We support a negotiated solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the establishment of an independent, viable, and democratic Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace with its neighbours.

Canada has, therefore, been deeply disheartened by the dramatic deterioration in the security and humanitarian situation, and the consequent tragic human toll in the region over the past year. The dynamics in the region must change. International law must be respected by all.

The Palestinian Authority and Israel need to take immediate steps to bring peace, stability and security to their people. The Palestinian Authority must take measures to address Israel’s security concerns by controlling and preventing terrorist violence. While Israel has the right to defend itself, it must exercise utmost restraint in order to avoid casualties among innocent civilians and damage to civilian infrastructure. The resolution to this crisis depends on an end to terror and violence.

It depends on the acceptance by the government of the Palestinian Authority of Israel's fundamental right to exist and of previously signed agreements.

It depends on an end to the launching of Qassam rockets into Israeli towns and the return of the Israeli corporal to his family in Israel.

It depends on the government of Israel recognizing and meeting its obligations under international law to prevent harm to the Palestinian civilian population and damage to civilian infrastructure.

It depends on Israel refraining from taking actions that could prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations, including settlements.

The international community, Madam President—with the Quartet in the lead—must do everything in its power to encourage renewed political dialogue and a return to negotiations.

The United Nations and its member states, too, must play a more constructive role in supporting Middle East peace efforts if we are to achieve long-term security and stability in the region.

UN agencies make a particularly important contribution to development and humanitarian assistance in the region, and require our continued support.

Canada, however, does not believe that all the work that is done within the UN is contributing to resolving this conflict. Resolutions on the Middle East that come before this Assembly , for example, are rarely helpful in achieving the goal we all seek—peace in the Middle East.

We believe that as member states of the United Nations we have to act with the greatest responsibility in our work in the General Assembly and elsewhere in the UN system. Canada has criticized inflammatory and divisive language in resolutions and will not support resolutions that use emotive and provocative language in place of the plain facts.

Madam President,

A negotiated settlement is ultimately the only road forward for peace. Both sides must one day sit across the table and negotiate a final status agreement. This agreement will have to recognize Israel as a legitimate neighbour and will have to ensure its long-lasting security and integrity. It will also have to provide the Palestinian people with an independent and viable state that fulfills their right to self-determination.

Nothing can replace the actions, commitment and political will of the parties themselves to move forward. But we, member states of the United Nations, can—and must—create the momentum, the context and the political horizon that shows a way forward out of conflict and towards sustainable peace.

Canada is very encouraged by the agreement reached between President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert. We commend their leadership and renewed commitment to a negotiated two-state solution. This important first step must be followed by clear action on both sides to build hope towards peace.