Conservatives Oppose Liberal Motion Calling for Middle East Ceasefire

Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Dr. Keith Martin today expressed deep disappointment at the Conservative government’s decision to oppose a Liberal motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.

“It is critical that we advocate for an immediate ceasefire. The Conservatives seem to be suggesting that now is not the right time for a ceasefire, but with the lives of innocent civilians at stake, the majority of Canadians disagree,” said Dr. Martin.

“The ‘sustainable cease fire’ that Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay is willing to wait for cannot be achieved during times of violence – it can only be obtained through peaceful negotiation.”

The Conservatives were the only party to oppose the motion, which was introduced by Dr. Martin during yesterday’s emergency session of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee and passed with the support of all opposition parties.

Last week, Dr. Martin wrapped up an extensive series of meetings in Geneva where he met with several United Nations (UN) organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Committee for the Red Cross, to work toward a solution to the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.

Over the last 16 days the humanitarian situation in the region has deteriorated quickly. Aid has been arriving slowly to some areas, but the request for aid far outpaces the ability to deliver it.

“An immediate ceasefire would accomplish two important goals – it would provide a window of opportunity for the global community to move toward a more formal arrangement, and allow much needed aid into the hardest hit areas in Northern Israel, Southern Lebanon, and Gaza,” said Dr. Martin.

“The rocket attacks, bombing and shelling must be halted to facilitate the distribution of desperately needed humanitarian supplies. At the end of the day it will be negotiations that end this crisis, not more fighting.”