Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2002 3:56 PM

Subject: CANADA EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT VIOLENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP

The Hon. Mr. Bill Graham,

Minister of Foreign Affairs.

We appreciate your concern about the 'incursions' by Israeli forces and the " ensuing violence, including the deaths and wounding of many Palestinian civilians."

However, we continue to be puzzled by your continuing reference to "terrorist violence", presumably Palestinian acts, as you regularly describe them. As to your statement that you " support Israel's right to self defence", this defies credibility. Israel is in illegal occupation of Palestinian territory for 35 years, in defiance of repeated Security Council resolutions. Throughout this period, Israel has been in violation of virtually every article of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Canada, as one of the High Contracting Parties, has the obligation, under Article # 1, of this convention, to act to bring to an end these violations.

An occupying power cannot claim self defence, and all peoples under foreign occupation, including even the Palestinian people, have the right to defend themselves, in accordance with the UN Charter.

It is time that this practice of double standards is brought to an end, and our country practices what it claims to uphold.

President, Canada Palestine Association.

October 8, 2002 (3:00 p.m. EDT) No. 119

CANADA EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT VIOLENCE

IN THE GAZA STRIP

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today responded with concern to the recent incursions by Israeli forces into the Gaza Strip and the ensuing violence, including the deaths and wounding of many Palestinian civilians.

"While we condemn terrorist violence and support Israel's right to self-defence, we also urge Israel to give full consideration to the consequences of its actions and to refrain, in particular, from using force in built-up areas of civilian population," said Minister Graham.

The Minister urged both parties to comply with their obligations, including the protection of civilians, and to avoid any actions that could inflame the situation. Both parties should instead pursue actions consistent with the goal of peace.

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