In a draft statement the G-8 nations were set to echo Obama’s call for negotiations based on the 1967 borders, the same framework which caused outrage in the U.S. Congress:
Group of Eight leaders will give “strong support” to U.S. President Barack Obama’s call for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal to be based on the 1967 borders, the French Press Agency AFP reported on Friday.
But since G-8 statements must be unanimous, Canada insisted on taking out the reference to the 1967 borders in a bold move of support for Israel:
Diplomats involved in Middle East discussions at the G8 summit said Canada had insisted that no mention of Israel’s pre-1967 borders be made in the leaders’ final communique, even though most of the other leaders wanted a mention.
“The Canadians were really very adamant, even though Obama expressly referred to 1967 borders in his speech last week,” one European diplomat said.
Canada’s strong backing for Israel was cited by diplomats last year as one reason why Canada failed to win a rotating two-year seat on the United Nations Security Council.
[Stephen] Harper has made is position on Israel very clear, saying last year: “When Israel, the only country in the world whose very existence is under attack, is consistently and conspicuously singled out for condemnation, I believe we are morally obligated to take a stand.”
Can you imagine. Harper disrespected my President. Waiting for outrage and indignation in the Salons of The Atlantic.
Am I now not patriotic for taking back prior Canada jokes?
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