Stephen Harper walks past Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit last September in St. Petersburg, Russia. Mr. Harper is taking a hard line against Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Mr. Harper is down stage in the middle of the picture with his head tilted down toward the floor and he is showing a slight grimace on his face. He is wearing a dark suit with two jacket buttons buttoned. His left hand facing us is clenched. Behind Mr. Harper's right shoulder, is Mr. Putin. He is facing the other direction and is wearing a similar dark suit and is somewhat expression less, appearing to be waiting for the next person he must greet.  His left hand in clenched, his right hand is cupped downward. On the left of the photo is a giant two-toned blue logo that says "Russia G20."

Stephen Harper walks past Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit last September in St. Petersburg, Russia. Mr. Harper is taking a hard line against Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
Photo Credit: Canadian Press / Adrian Wyld

PM maintains hard line against Russia, Hamas and China

Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Wednesday continued to press his hard line on foreign policy issues, announcing more sanctions against Russia and stressing his strong support of Israel. He did not mince his words.

In announcing the sanctions against Moscow over the continuing crisis in Ukraine, Mr. Harper there is “zero doubt” those behind the violence are agents of the Russian government.

He then added that there is “no doubt” Russia played a role in the downing of a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet over eastern Ukraine two weeks ago.

Turning to the Middle East, Mr. Harper reiterated his government’s position that Hamas is solely responsible for the death and destruction in Gaza.

He also suggested that Israel has been justified in its actions throughout the conflict, saying that if a terrorist organization were attacking Canadians, there would be a similar response from Canada.

His comments followed the shelling of a US school that was sheltering displaced Palestinians on the Gaza Strip. At least 17 people were killed.

Mr. Harper also had harsh words for China, repeating his contention that there was “no doubt” that the Chinese were behind cyberattacks on Canada’s federal scientific research agency earlier this week.

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa denied being involved in any such attack.

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