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Press releases from Canadian Arab Federation and National Council on Canada-Arab Relations regarding Stephane Dion's woefully inadequate response to Ken Dryden's offensive comments justifying collective punishment of the civilian population of Gaza. October 10, 2008 Candian Arab Federation News Release Ken Dryden's offensive comments on Gaza CAF, CMF-FMC & Parole Arabe acknowledge Mr. Dion's statement on Ken Dryden's offensive comments justifying the punishment of the civilian population of Gaza , where Mr. Dion stated: "The international community cannot turn a blind-eye to the tragic humanitarian situation in Gaza . The Liberal Party position on this issue has remained consistent throughout my time as leader and from well before. " Mr. Dion’s statement brushed aside the seriousness of Ken Dryden’s statement “Stop all aid that flows into Gaza . While that may seem a harsh measure that will hurt Palestinian civilians… it is the right thing to do at this time.” Mr. Dryden has still not denied or withdrawn his statements supporting or justifying collective punishment (even in his letter to the editor of NOW magazine). Collective punishment is a war crime under Articles 146 and 147 of the IV Geneva Convention. Accordingly, it remains our position that, as such, Mr. Dryden is unfit to serve as an MP representing the Canadian people or as a member of the Liberal party unless he unequivocally retreats his statement. We call on Mr. Dion and on all Canadian politicians to take a just and fair position towards the Middle East conflict by:
CONTACT: Khaled Mouammar ************ NATIONAL COUNCIL ON CANADA-ARAB RELATIONS For immediate Release NCCAR Acknowledges Dion’s Response Concerning Ken Dryden’s Remarks Ottawa, October 10, 2008 -- NCCAR acknowledges receipt of Mr. Dion’s response to the unacceptable remarks of Ken Dryden regarding application of collective punishment on the people of Gaza. NCCAR welcomes Mr. Dion’s comments that, “…the Liberal Party has supported and will continue to support the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza through international aid organizations. Any suggestion to the contrary is false....” “It would be appreciated by our Arab, Muslim as well as other Canadian communities if Liberal candidates would relent from veering off their party’s policies on the Middle East as a means of securing votes and funds,” said Bahija Réghaï, President of NCCAR. NCCAR has consistently called on the federal government to adhere to international law. As the Official Opposition and former governing party in Canada, the Liberal party is expected to do the same. NCCAR thank Mr. Dion for clarifying his party’s position on this critical issue and hope that he will rise in the House at the earliest opportunity to call not only for continued international aid to help alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians, but also for Canada to uphold its international responsibility as the Gavel holder in the Refugee file and actually engage in finding a just solution to the conflict. Contact: Bahija Réghaï, NCCAR President, 613-238-3795, nccar@nccar.ca |