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PRIME MINISTER WELCOMES MIDDLE EAST SUMMIT
Ottawa, Ontario
October 14, 2000
Prime Minister Chrétien today welcomed the news that a
Middle East Summit hosted by Egypt and facilitated by the United States will
take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt:
"Canada welcomes this encouraging news. From the beginning of this
crisis, we have shared the strong desire of the international community for
a cessation of the violence and a resumption of negotiations towards a just
and lasting peace in the Middle East. The meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh is
clearly a concrete step in that direction.
Yesterday, I spoke with Chairman Yasser Arafat, Egyptian President
Hosni Mubarak and Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Today, I spoke
to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Their shared desire to help bring
about an end to the bloodshed is encouraging. And I expressed a special
thanks on Canada’s behalf to President Mubarak for his outstanding efforts
in brokering this Summit.
President Bill Clinton and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan are also to be
congratulated for their perseverance in seeking reconciliation during this
very difficult time.
While we are gladdened by this news, we also know that much hard work
lies ahead for the parties. The situation is still very uncertain. The hopes
and prayers of all Canadians are with the Summit participants as they
attempt to resolve the conflict."
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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