Neither of these statements actually condemns the Israelis for its bombing that is bound to cause civilian casualties in a crowded urban setting although both call for an end to the violence by both sides. Also, there is no mention of the fact that among the targets are government buildings including the legislature as well as police stations.
There is no mention either of the unequal force and vastly disproportionate killing of Palestinians. However, the NDP statement is more balanced and less slanted towards Israel than is the Ignatieff statement.
This is from the Liberal website.
Media ReleasesDecember 29, 2008
Statement by Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Official Opposition, on the situation in Israel and the Gaza StripI am greatly concerned by the deepening violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip and the fear and suffering on all sides that this mounting instability has caused. The Liberal Party of Canada unequivocally condemns the rocket attacks launched by Hamas against Israeli civilians and calls for an immediate end to these attacks. We affirm Israel's right to defend itself against such attacks, and also its right to exist in peace and security. We regret the loss of life sustained on all sides of the conflict. We call on all parties to end these hostilities, mindful that a durable ceasefire will be necessary to prevent continued civilian casualties and lasting damage to essential civilian infrastructure. The international community has a responsibility to ensure that the cost of conflict is not borne by the innocent and Canada must stand ready to assist and ensure that basic humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it. Our thoughts are with those in Israel and the Gaza Strip whose lives are imperiled by the cycle of violence in the region. In the midst of this crisis, we continue to stand for a peaceful resolution. We firmly believe that the basis of this peace will be the mutual recognition by both Israelis and Palestinians of two states, living side by side in peace and security, with a full resolution of the issue of refugees and settlements, as well as secure and internationally recognized borders and boundaries.
This is from the NDP website.
New Democrat statement on the situation in the Middle East
Mon 29 Dec 2008
Canada's New Democrats condemn the unacceptable escalation of violence in the Middle East causing death and injury to so many civilians in the Gaza Strip and Israel.
It is a tragedy that hundreds of civilians have again become the victims of violence in this conflict. The continuing airstrikes by Israel on civilians in the Gaza strip and the ongoing rocket attacks on Israeli civilians are serving to compound the existing civilian disaster and further harm chances for a negotiated peace.
We call on the Government of Canada to immediately call for an end to the aerial bombing of Gaza, the blockade of aid to civilians and the indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel. Indeed, the government must urge both sides to agree to end the current hostilities immediately, reinstate the ceasefire and return to the peace process.
The Government of Canada should also work to ensure that medical and food aid is provided to the civilians of Gaza through U.N. agencies.
New Democrats believe that Canada must pursue a balanced approach to the Middle East crisis, in keeping with Canadians' deep desire for peace in the Middle East and are ready to work with the new administration in the U.S. towards a lasting peace in the region. This goal cannot be achieved while citizens in such large numbers are being killed and endangered.
1 comment:
What pray tell Ken would be wrong about anyone being slanted towards Israel? The NDP has abandoned the proud heritage of Tommy Douglas and David Lewis for surrendering to the Islamic peril. J.S. Woodworth would have been appalled.
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