FINALLY AN ENEMY IN CANADA'S WEIGHT CLASS:

Lebanese envoy makes no apologies: Ottawa angered by remarks on Zionism (Sheldon Alberts, January 11, 2003, National Post

Lebanon's ambassador yesterday did not retract controversial comments about the power of the "Zionist movement" in Canada, despite being summoned to a meeting with Foreign Affairs officials who told him they were "unacceptable and without foundation."

Bill Graham, the Foreign Affairs Minister, ordered Raymond Baaklini to appear before Canadian officials to explain remarks he made to an Arabic-language newspaper saying Canada was pressured by a "Zionist party" and Jewish-controlled media to designate Hezbollah as an outlawed terrorist organization.

Amid calls for Ottawa to expel Mr. Baaklini, the ambassador met yesterday afternoon with John McNee, the assistant deputy minister for Africa and the Middle East.

"Canada's concerns about the ambassador's interview were clearly expressed to, and understood by, the ambassador," said Rodney Moore, a department spokesman.

"The assistant deputy minister reminded the ambassador that his remarks were unacceptable and without foundation."

But Mr. Baaklini "has not retracted," Mr. Moore said.

Here's a chance for Canada to prove it really does deserve some moral credence. Posted by Orrin Judd at January 11, 2003 9:36 AM