Minister Kent addresses questions in the House on the State of Israel plans to expand Southern Jerusalem Neighbourhood
ORAL QUESTIONS
Foreign Affairs [Translation]
Mr. Jean Dorion (Longueuil-Pierre-Boucher, BQ): Dorion.J@parl.gc.ca Mr. Speaker, Israel has authorized the construction of 900 new homes in East Jerusalem, even though its annexation has never been recognized by Canada and the international community. The United States, Great Britain and the European Union have vigorously condemned the action.
Will Canada add its voice to that of the international community and condemn this illegal decision?
Hon. Peter Kent (Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), CPC): Kent.P@parl.gc.ca Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague.
[English]
I can assure him that Canada's position has not changed. Canada considers settlement expansion unhelpful to efforts to restart peace negotiations. At the same time, Canada urges both parties to refrain from any unilateral actions that undermine the resumption of direct bilateral negotiations.
[Translation]
Mr. Jean Dorion (Longueuil-Pierre-Boucher, BQ): Mr. Speaker, according to George Mitchell, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, this project threatens the chances of negotiations with Palestinian authorities resuming.
Why is it that Israel's closest ally can denounce this situation while Canada dithers?
[English]
Hon. Peter Kent (Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), CPC): Mr. Speaker, one might quibble in terms of the proximity of Israel's closest ally but, as I said, our long-standing position has not changed. We do consider settlement expansion to be unhelpful to the peace process.
