Canada Changes Votes at UN General Assembly

The Government of Canada changed its votes today (November 10) on several one-sided resolutions at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) relating to the Middle East peace process. These resolutions frame Israel as the sole perpetrator of aggression, making no mention of Palestinian culpability or responsibility for perpetuating conflict in the Middle East.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement.

“Canada today made a strong statement with nine votes at the United Nations, and our explanation of vote (EOV) speaks for itself,” said Minister Baird. “This series of resolutions against Israel is generally one-sided, unbalanced and does not address the complexities of the issues, nor seeks to address the true actions and responsibilities of all parties. While this does not signal a change in Canada’s long-standing policy regarding the Middle East Peace Process, it does clearly relay our frustration with the current UN process. Final status issues are to be resolved between the two parties, not the United Nations. We will continue to urge for the two parties to return to negotiations without preconditions.”

In reaction to the Government's decision, Shimon Fogel, CEO of Canada’s Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:

“We commend Prime Minister Harper and Foreign Affairs Minister Baird for the leadership they have shown on issues related to the Middle East,” said Fogel. “Canada's principled stand in opposing a number of unbalanced resolutions that portray Israel as the root cause of the conflict represents an example that should be followed by all countries committed to peace in the region. The cumulative volume of anti-Israel vitriol these resolutions contain hinders credible UN involvement in moving the conflict toward a peaceful resolution. Canadians believe the UN should take a constructive approach to the conflict and focus on peace and reconciliation, not blame and vilification. We can all be proud that these are the values Canada upheld at the UN today.”