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Nov. 9, 2007
Canadian diplomatic efforts
Ambassador to Israel talks to Jewish Foundation in Winnipeg.
RHONDA SPIVAK
Canada's ambassador to Israel, Jon Allen, said that, "Canada is playing a significant role" in the Middle East, "a region that no country can afford to ignore."
Allen, a former Winnipegger, addressed a crowd of 550 people at the 33rd annual luncheon of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
"Since taking office, the prime minister [Stephen Harper] has been unequivocal in his support for Israel's security and existence. He has made it clear that far too often it [Israel] has been unfairly singled out at the UN," said Allen, adding that, "The Canadian government was the first country in the world to cut ties with Hamas."
Allen also pointed out that the federal government had evacuated 14,000 people from Lebanon in the midst of the Second Lebanon War, in the summer of 2006. Allen told the audience that the Canadian government has made it clear to Israelis and Palestinians that a two-state solution is the end game.
"We tell Palestinians that they have to end terrorism and build democratic institutions. We tell Israelis that settlement expansion and illegal outposts must be taken down," said Allen.
Allen pointed out that Canada and private Canadians are involved in the Middle East in a number of significant ways, noting Canada's involvement in helping build the capacity of Palestinian security forces loyal to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, which are being co-ordinated by U.S. security co-ordinator Lt.-Gen. Keith Dayton and which are necessary to ensure that the PA maintains control of the West Bank against Hamas.
"Col. Mike Pierson of Canada has the number two spot on Dayton's team and there are four other Canadians on that team," said Allen.
He also noted the role played by private Canadian nongovernmental organizations, which are involved with private Israelis and Palestinians in exploring ways to govern the Old City if there is ever a deal on Jerusalem. "They are looking at questions such as how to deal with the holy sites, and how to administer justice and other related issues," he said.
As for the upcoming Middle East conference in Annanapolis, Allen expressed hope that the conference would "jump-start" the peace process. "This won't be easy, but we must be hopeful."
Allen quoted the words of Shlomo Ben-Ami, former Israeli foreign minister, who once said, "We have too much history and not enough geography."
"Our [Canada's] role is to encourage the leaders on both sides to look over the heads of the extremists.... The broad outlines of a deal are reasonably well known. Building support for this deal on both sides is the challenge," said Allen.
In Allen's view, "a political horizon" has opened. Since the spectre of a nuclear Iran has risen, moderate Arab countries are now focusing on Iran as their common enemy, instead of Israel.
Regarding the Israeli economy, Allen said, "Israel is one of the most entrepreneurial and exciting economies in the world today. Investing in Israel is something that can benefit both Canada and Israel."
Following the luncheon, Allen was going to meet with Manitoba Premier Gary Doer "to discuss enhancing the economic relationship between Canada and Israel." Israel's and Manitoba's governments have a partnership agreement to share research in regard to water management and greenhouse technology. Developing solar energy is another area where Israel and Canada may have common interests," said Allen.
Rhonda Spivak is a Winnipeg freelance writer.
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