The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, met with Palestinian officials over the weekend, as part of his regional tour to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories. During a joint news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Canadian Governor General declared that his country will continue to provide Palestinians with aid on an annual basis.
“I am so proud to be the first Governor General of Canada to visit the West Bank. Thank you for this historic opportunity. Let me start by saying that Canada remains strongly committed to working with our Palestinian friends.” / “We see Canada’s role at providing the direct aid which helps the Palestinian people in their particular situation. The investment of about 65 million dollars a year, it is directed to stability, to security, to assistance with the civic authority for law and order, it is directed into economic development, particularly innovative ways to bring about prosperity and finally it is directed to humanitarian assistance in every way we can be helpful and we will continue on that path very earnestly,” said Johnston.
Governor General Johnston also reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: “Let me also reaffirm Canada’s commitment to work with Palestinians, Israelis and other partners, to uphold the prospect of a two-state solution and achieve a just and lasting and comprehensive peace,” emphasized the Governor General. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, on his part, urged Israel to stop what he termed as “the occupation,” warning that if Israel did not cease its construction policy on lands the Palestinians want for a future state, the prospects of “a two-state solution will definitely stop.”
“The Israeli government has to stop the occupation. Because if it continues, it will definitely, definitely stop the two-state solution. So, if Israel wants peace, peace will be based on two-state solution, the state of Palestine on the 1967 borders and the state of Israel on the other hand, living side by side in security, stability and good neighboring,” warned Abbas.