January 16, 2009

ISLAMIC CONGRESS CONDEMNS CANADA'S NEGATIVE UN VOTE ON GAZA - HARPER GOVERNMENT'S INACTION "SHAMEFUL"

The Canadian Islamic Congress today added its voice to growing protests
over Prime Minister Stephen Harper's decision on Monday to have Canada vote
against a United Nations resolution condemning Israel's atrocities in Gaza.

Ottawa's unwavering support of Israel in the current conflict, highlighted
by its vote at the UN, is a break from neutral positions of the recent past
in which Canada’s norm has typically been abstention from voting.

In the past Canadian representatives at the UN always voted on Middle East
issues on this country’s historic basis of "principle" and "fair-
mindedness." During the current massacre of Gazan civilians, however,
Canada’s even-handed and middle-of-the-road positions have changed into
unwavering support for Israel.

Canada was the only country that went against Monday’s UN Human Rights
Council resolution (the other 33 members voted in support) which cited
Israel for "massive violations of human rights" in its three-week-old
offensive against Gaza. As of January 13, 2009, nearly 1,000 Palestinians "
locked inside Gaza with no safe places to flee -- have died and thousands
more have been injured.

"This is our Canadian government’s hour of shame," said new CIC National
President, Wahida Valiante. "Our government has turned its back on a
humanitarian crisis at the hands of an occupying force. It is beyond human
comprehension that Canada, with its long and honoured tradition of peace-
keeping has chosen to vote in support of Israel's mockery of justice and
humanitarian values" Canada risks irretrievably losing the distinction of
being the most politically balanced and fair country in the world."

Mrs. Valiante urged all Canadians, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, to join
other peace and justice groups in sending letters of protest to PM Harper
and Canadian political party leaders.

"The war against Gaza must stop," she added. "Canada must become a fair
mediator and honest broker in working to end the Israeli occupation of
Palestinian lands. Canada's dereliction of principles in negating a UN
resolution has made peace an even more difficult goal."

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