In seeking compromises and a negotiated solution, we hope the parties will be guided by the body of international law at their disposal - including UNGA resolution 194 and UNSC resolutions 242 and 425, and the principle of land for peace which they accepted at Madrid in 1991. Canada has a sincere interest and a deep commitment to securing a lasting peace in the Middle East. We know that the task of building peace does not end with the signing of agreements and treaties. Indeed, a signature and a handshake are just the beginning of this process. Communities that have long seen each other as adversaries must instead see a shared interest in building peace and prosperity in the region.
Leaders can inspire such a vision but it can only take root when it is accepted at large.
One means of furthering this process is to encourage activities that bring Israelis and Arabs together. Since 1992, Canada has been involved in the five multilateral working groups in the peace process, underscoring our belief in the value of dialogue and cooperation. We have also provided direct support to almost 100 dialogue projects. Our efforts have brought together Israelis and Palestinians in a programme of leadership training in conflict resolution. We are also working with the Peres Centre on a project to establish a joint Israeli-Palestinian infrastructure in the field of information technology.