"Canada supports Israel": PM

(photo by Frank Gunn)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper stands prior to speaking at an annual awards dinner of the B'Nai Brith in Toronto on Oct. 18, 2006.
[Thank God, during his thundering speech, the chrystal chandelier did not fall and the floor stayed intact, also! -tj]
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By Chris Wattie
CanWest News Service - National Post
TORONTO October 19, 2006 -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper mounted a vigorous defence on Wednesday of his government's Middle East policy, saying support for Israel is "fundamental to what this nation has always stood for." -- Speaking to a B'nai Brith dinner in Toronto, Harper made no apologies for his government siding with the Jewish state during this summer's fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon.

"When it comes to dealing with a war between Israel and a terrorist organization, this country and this government cannot and will never be neutral. This position is rooted in what we have long stood for as a country." - Harper said in a speech that drew several standing ovations from the more than 1,000 members of the Jewish human rights group.

The prime minister said he was not deterred by criticism from the opposition parties, who this summer called the Conservative government's unqualified support for Israel a repudiation of Canada's traditional role in the Middle East.

"That is simply not accurate. Rather than charting a new (policy) course, we are restoring Canada to its traditional and true role: Principled leadership in world affairs ... a Canada that knows where it stands." -he said.

And Harper said: " it is ultimately in Canada's best interests to support Israel. Those who attacked Israel and those who sponsor such attacks ... seek what they and those like them have always sought the destruction of Israel and the destruction of the Jewish people. Those who seek to destroy the Jews ... will for the same reason ultimately seek to destroy us all and that my friends is why Canada's new government has reacted with speed and spoken with clarity on recent events in the Middle East. "Our government believes in a two-state solution in a secure, democratic and prosperous Israel living beside a viable, democratic and peaceful Palestinian state."

Harper also said he believes Israel must seek a peaceful accommodation with the Palestinians and its Arab neighbours.+++
cwattie@nationalpost.com
© CanWest News Service 2006