Posted on 03/29/2006 11:06:16 AM PST by areafiftyone
TORONTO - Canada said Wednesday it was suspending assistance to the Palestinian Authority because the new Hamas-led government refuses to renounce violence and recognize Israel.
It was the first government besides Israel to cut off financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority since Hamas won the legislative elections in January, and other nations were expected to follow suit.
Hamas formally took power Wednesday, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas swearing in its 24-member Cabinet.
Hamas and new Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh insist they won't soften the militant group's violent ideology or formally recognize its longtime nemesis.
Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay said in a statement that Canada had no choice but to suspend assistance and decline any contact with the new Hamas Cabinet.
"The stated platform of this government has not addressed the concerns raised by Canada and others concerning nonviolence, the recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the roadmap for peace," MacKay said. "As a result, Canada will have no contact with the members of the Hamas Cabinet and is suspending assistance to the Palestinian Authority."
With Hamas now at the helm, the cash-strapped Palestinian government faces a crippling international economic boycott,
However, Ottawa emphasized Wednesday that it would continue giving humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people through U.N. and nongovernment organizations.
Canada, like the United States, Europe and Israel, considers Hamas a terrorist organization.
Ottawa has said, however, the Palestinian people should not be penalized over the actions of the group and currently provides $22 million in annual humanitarian aid through various United Nations and non-governmental agencies.
Washington has ruled out direct funding for a Hamas-led government, although it will continue to finance humanitarian projects for the Palestinians.
The Palestinian Authority gets a large part of its approximately $1.9 billion annual budget from overseas sources. Without money from the Arab world, Europe and the United States, a Hamas-led government would be nearly broke.
Hamas leaders have said they will look elsewhere for money and were expected to appeal to Arab states and Iran.
Ottawa is a close ally of Israel, but also a strong proponent of Palestinian statehood. Ottawa conducted its first war games with the Israeli air force last spring, yet condemned Israel when it continued to build Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
"A clear commitment by the Hamas government to the principles that we and the international community have outlined remains an essential precondition for Canada to resume any assistance to the Palestinian Authority," MacKay said.
Canada's International Cooperation Minister Josee Verner said Canada "remains committed to the ultimate goal of a negotiated, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
She said Ottawa makes the distinction between assistance to the Palestinian Authority and the people who have suffered for decades from the daily turmoil of terrorism and poverty.
"Working with our partners and through the United Nations, its agencies and other organizations, Canada will continue to support and respond to the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people," Verner said. "Canada will also continue to work with the voices of moderation within Palestinian society."
As much of Canada's media is government funded, why can't the funding be eliminated. Of course, we still waste taxpayer money on things like the Department of Education.
See 18. It's on it's way. For the border Israel isn't allowed to monitor. Actually, virtually all the aid we've given the palestinians has been project specific through USAID, "humanitarian". $150 million in 2006. It will likely be business as usual.
This a great leadin to his upcomong summit with GWB.
Parliament hasn't even sat in session yet, so he can't really do anything that involves money. Who knows what his first budget will bring.
I just want to say thankyou Harper for not wasting my tax dollars on a terrorist organization. It is a breath of fresh air. Oh My God, I can breathe again. My vote, for once, actually counted. I'm free at last. No More Liberals.
I'm likin' this new Canadian leader, Mr. Harper.
Yup. Without all the humanitarian/welfare payments these people wouldn't have the time to riot in the streets every other day...they'd have to get jobs.
[However, Ottawa emphasized Wednesday that it would continue giving humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people through U.N. and nongovernment organizations.]
Canada won't give to Hamas, but they will give to the UN to give to Hamas. What is the difference? It seems Canada is just transfering some of their financial power to the UN.
Washington has ruled out direct funding for a Hamas-led government, although it will continue to finance humanitarian projects for the Palestinians.
Looks like both our countries are doing that.
I suspected that you (and other Americans) would. I'm glad he got his chance to show how a leader leads. Paul Martin who???
Just the CBC Radio and TV, CBC Newsworld, and Radio Canada International are government funded. CTV and Global however are not.
Good !
I'd say "give it time". Cutting Hamas off at the knees is a logical first step.
Finally, a Canadian government that can think for itself and is NOT led by the nose by the EU. Hurrah!
I'm going home to enjoy a Niagara wine;)
Finaly got a P.M. with ba^^s Non-french, same thing
The only government-funded media outlet is the CBC but nobody here takes them seriously- they are usually dead last in the ratings.
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