The Canadian government's hesitant and cautious response to the crisis between Israel and Gaza will likely remain unchanged with no commitment of aid or any forceful statement from the prime minister, experts and insiders say.
...
Observers in Canada were wary of speculating on the reason for Mr. Harper's silence so far, but many pointed to the political troubles he faced the last time he weighed in on an Israeli conflict, in 2006.
...
Many suspect the silence from Mr. Harper is merely to avoid stirring up dust in domestic politics, and in any case, it is Mr. Cannon as foreign minister who is said to be carrying out diplomacy with his counterparts and officials in the region.
"My impression is that Prime Minister Harper is waiting because taking a position too strong in favour of the
initiative would somehow underline an alignment with the outgoing American administration, which would not necessarily reflect very well," said Costanza Musu, an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.
...
Former ambassador to the UN Paul Heinbecker said Canada's response so far has been misguided, focusing on the rockets rather than on what's needed to bring the conflict to an end and help to the region.
He did not offer an opinion on Mr. Harper's silence so far, but noted other leaders around the world have mobilized to act in response.
"I guess I would draw a contrast with President Sarkozy who is, as we speak, in the Middle East trying to bring the two sides together, or (British) Prime Minister (Gordon) Brown and other G8 members who are trying to promote a ceasefire."
...
http://www.embassymag.ca/page/view/gaza-1-7-2009
He's quickly becoming quite an international wallflower.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
