Harper's unbalanced approach hurts Mideast peace - Dewar

Vernon, BC - New Democrat Leadership candidate Paul Dewar is criticizing the Harper government for their unbalanced approach to the Middle East.

"Mr. Harper wants us to believe that grandstanding is more important than being an honest broker," said Dewar. "His unbalanced approach to the Middle East is harmful to the prospect of peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians."

On Monday, John Baird admonished the Palestinian Authorities for seeking recognition as a Member State of the United Nations. Only months ago, Harper used his veto to water down G8 support for President Obama's initiative for renewed peace talks for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders and mutually-accepted land swaps.

"The government's approach is unbalanced when it's equating a request from Palestinians through legitimate diplomatic channels with Israel's settlement policy, which is a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention," said Dewar. "The government is now calling for negotiations, but in May it did everything it could to undermine consensus for President Obama's peace initiative."

"Our approach to Middle East should be about bringing people together for peace and reconciliation, not about choosing favourites and fanning divisions," said Dewar. "As Prime Minister, I will be an honest broker to alleviate the human suffering caused by this conflict and to ensure Israelis and Palestinians can live safely, side by side, in independent states with secure borders."