Press Release received through email:
July 18, 2006
Ottawa - The Institute for Canadian Values is applauding the Canadian government for what it calls its "sensible position" on current fighting in the Middle- East.
"Stephen Harper and his government are to be commended for the sensible position they are taking in relation to the emerging conflict in the Middle-East," said Joseph Ben-Ami, Executive Director of the Institute. "The responsibility for the current situation rests solely with Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists who have been bombarding Israeli towns and villages for months and who recently invaded Israel to attack and kidnap its citizens. Israel has, not just a right, but an obligation to defend itself, and we applaud our government for recognizing and supporting this."
"The goal of both Hamas and Hezbollah is more than just the destruction of Israel. It is the complete eradication of any meaningful Jewish and Christian communal life in the Middle East and the establishment of a pan-Islamic theocracy. Not only is there no Israel in this vision, there is also no modern, democratic Lebanon or Palestine. Unless Hamas and Hezbollah are destroyed, and Iran and Syria, their sponsors, contained, there will be no peace in that region of the world for anyone."
Ben-Ami also called accusations that Harper is abandoning Canada's traditional role as an 'honest broker' in the conflict silly.
"The argument that Harper is jeopardizing Canada's reputation as a so-called honest broker is silly. Does anyone really believe that terrorists think highly of us when we equate their actions with those of Israel? On the contrary, they regard, and treat us, as naïve and gullible fools.
"The first step to being an honest broker is to be honest with all parties, including ourselves. There may be times when right and wrong are not at issue, but there are also times when they are. This is one such time, and it's refreshing to hear our Prime Minister acknowledge this. Playing the role of broker without honesty and integrity plays into the hands of those who want to prolong the conflict rather than end it."
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