After bitter criticism for Canada last year, the Palestinian Authority is now praising it for extending multi-year aid to support economic growth in the West Bank and Gaza. Canada will add $5 million to the $25-million in on-going aid that it announced in June.
A staunch defender of Israel, the current Canadian government vehemently opposed the Palestinian effort to get recognition as an observer-state at the United Nations last November. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird also angered Palestinians in April when he met an Israeli cabinet minister in East Jerusalem. That is disputed territory which the Palestinians and the United Nations consider occupied land.
Past rhetoric unhelpful, says Malki
Rapprochement appeared to be in the air Thursday as Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki met with Baird in Ottawa. Malki praised Canada, and insisted neither side is helped by being held hostage by past rhetoric. Baird repeatedly referred to Malki as a friend.
The new Canadian aid is the first contribution to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s planned economic development fund. The new tone reflects a shift in the political climate in the United States which is brokering peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The money will help fund business development, improve economic opportunities and create jobs according to a Canadian governmentnews release.
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