[Letter from NDP MP Murray Rankin]
by "Murray Rankin"
Thank you for writing to me. Like you, I am very concerned by the recent violence in Gaza and Israel. No one can remain insensitive to such a terrible situation affecting innocent civilians, with hundreds killed and millions living in fear for their safety. This situation is unacceptable to me, just as it is unacceptable to you.
I want to be very clear about what my NDP colleagues and I have said and done in response.
The suggestion that the NDP has been silent or indifferent about Palestinian suffering is not correct. I am proud to belong to a party – the only political party in Canada – that consistently defends human rights and international law and works in support of a peaceful two-state solution in the Middle East. The current situation in Gaza is no exception. The NDP has criticized the indiscriminate rocket fire by Hamas. We have also criticized the unacceptable number of civilian casualties from Israeli attacks, including the horrifying shelling of a UN facility sheltering refugees in Gaza.
I would encourage you to read NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar’s most recent statement.
My NDP colleagues and I will continue to call for international law to be respected by all parties. Since the conflict began, the NDP has publicly called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians, for Canada to contribute humanitarian support for civilians in Gaza, for all parties to abide by international law, and for the unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance within Gaza, including food, fuel and medical treatment.
The NDP has called on the Canadian government to take a leadership role in the protection of civilians, securing an immediate ceasefire and working towards a lasting, negotiated settlement to the conflict. In line with the NDP position and longstanding Canadian policy, we will continue to push the government to oppose settlements in the occupied territories, which are a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention and a serious obstacle to a just and lasting peace, and to support a negotiated two-state settlement.
Since the start of the current conflict, we have put out repeated statements, social media messages and comments to the media responding to events and calling on Canada to support diplomatic efforts for an immediate ceasefire, including by working to ensure the unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance within Gaza and promote the sustained reopening of crossing points, in keeping with UN Security Council resolution 1860 (2009).
NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar wrote to Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird to criticize cuts to Canadian support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and call for Canada to support the UNRWA emergency appeal for the Gaza Strip.
For your reference, here are a few relevant excerpts from media interviews:
"We totally disagree with the government's approach. We think it's not balanced. We think that we should be telling our friends, Israel and [Prime Minister] Netanyahu in particular, that he's not doing enough to protect civilians. ... We disagree with Mr. Netanyahu and his approach, because notwithstanding their claim to trying to be careful, we've seen too high of civilian casualties and it's unacceptable." – The Hill Times (30/07/14):
“Israel should be doing more to de-escalate and taking more care in dealing with civilian casualties. ... The government shouldn’t be simply rubber stamping everything that comes from (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu. We should be telling him that there are too many civilian casualties and it’s unacceptable. We also have to think in terms of the Israelis who are living in fear … living in constant fear is not acceptable either.” – Ottawa Citizen (28/07/14)
“We do not have a responsible foreign policy when it comes to this issue. We’re not actually playing a constructive role. No one is going to call us to help negotiate things behind the scenes because of our stated position.” – Ottawa Citizen (15/07/14)
We believe that the Canadian government must pursue a balanced and responsible position focused on civilian protection and supporting international efforts for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and that the Conservative government’s failure to strike any balance during this conflict has further diminished Canada’s international reputation. The principled NDP position has been recognized by representatives of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, the Canadian Council of Imams, the Islamic Circle of North America, and the Islamic Society of North America.
“I particularly value your insights and principled position pertaining to Palestinian rights and our pursuit of a just peace. I remain confident of your continued support and constructive efforts in elping us achieve our freedom, self-determination, and global recognition." – Executive Committee Member of the Palestine Liberation Organization HananAshrawi, in a letter to NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar.
“We are writing this letter in recognition of your just and fair policy pertaining to the Israeli Palestinian crisis. Your party has placed equal value on both Israeli and Palestinian lives and has bravely stood for ending the bloodshed, upholding human rights and abiding by international law. We the undersigned organizations applaud your position.” – Canadian Council of Imams (CCI); Canadians in Support of Refugees in Dire Need (CSRDN); Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA); Islamic Society of North America (ISNA); Muslim Medical Association of Canada (MMAC)
I wholeheartedly agree with you that the Conservative government’s unbalanced response to this conflict is wrong.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I want you to know that I will continue to work with my NDP colleagues to press the government of Canada to take a leadership role in demanding the protection of innocent civilians, securing a lasting ceasefire and working towards a just and comprehensive peace.
Sincerely,
"Murray Rankin"
No comments:
Post a Comment