March 30, 2006

GETTING THE HANG OF THIS ANGLOSPHERE THING:

Tories cut Palestinian aid: Canada first to join Israeli-led boycott (MITCH POTTER AND GRAHAM FRASER, 3/30/06, Toronto Star)

A senior minister in the new Hamas government last night accused Canada of "double standards" for deciding to freeze funding for the Palestinian Authority.

Khaled Abu Arafa, who learned of Ottawa's decision just hours after he was sworn in as Palestinian Minister for Jerusalem Affairs, told the Toronto Star he was "dismayed by a ruling that doesn't give us a chance."

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay announced yesterday Canada has cut off contact and funding to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority but will be maintaining its aid to Palestinians through non-governmental organizations and international agencies.

This means a suspension of $7.3 million in Canadian funding, almost one-third of the $25 million a year that Canada spends in aid in the West Bank and Gaza. Canada became the first nation aside from Israel to cut off financial assistance to the authority since Hamas won the legislative elections in January.

MacKay announced that because the Hamas-led government has not renounced violence, recognized Israel or accepted the "road map" for peace, Canada is responding by cutting aid.


No chance? All Mr. Arafa and company have to do is recognize Isr5ael and accept statehood and they'll be showered with money.

Posted by Orrin Judd at March 30, 2006 7:43 AM
Comments

So when will GWB be recognized for the "road map" with a Nobel Peace Prize? Or was it Gore's idea?

Posted by: Genecis at March 30, 2006 9:45 AM

No chance? Sir, you have had more chances than I have had hot meals, and you have tossed all aside to chase a mirage.

Posted by: Mikey at March 30, 2006 10:41 AM

Looks like the Canucks aren't the only ones getting tough:

US President George W. Bush on Wednesday pledged to support the Palestinian people through humanitarian aid but said he will not fund a Hamas-led government bent on the destruction of Israel.

At the same time, at State they're saying:

'We are not going to provide funds to a terrorist organization,' he said. 'And we are not going to provide U.S. funds to a Hamas- led government.'

The jig is up.

Posted by: Michael at March 30, 2006 12:36 PM
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