Mr. Chairman, even if these aren't the best of circumstances, I would have liked to see people be more open to discussing this important question.
I have drafted a motion that some may find long, but that really isn't given the import and complexity of the subject. I will read it and provide brief explanations as needed. I'll start with the “givens”.
Given the strong bonds of friendship that unite Canada, especially Quebec, with Lebanon, a pluralistic and francophone democracy and given that it is committed to its security; Given that Canada is a long-standing friend of Israel, that it actively contributed to its creation and that it is also committed to its security; Given that these friendships require a balanced position that takes into account the interests and viewpoints of both sides of the conflict; Given that Canada's balanced position has, in the past, earned the respect of all camps in the Middle East conflict and allowed it to further the peace process; Given that, of all Western countries, Canada had the largest number of nationals in Lebanon at the outbreak of hostilities and that the government's apparent lack of preparation to the crisis has raised questions and dissatisfaction; Given the right to self defence included in international law in article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and the principle of proportionality; Given that the parties involved in a conflict have the obligation to respect international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention...