Mr. Speaker, as chair of the Canada-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group, I was pleased to participate in the recent CIC leadership mission to Israel.
Our understanding of the core concerns are clear. There will be no lasting peace or security until efforts are taken by the Palestinian Authority to honour its road map commitment to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure. It also must begin the essential work of eliminating the incitement to violence.
We were impressed by Diana Buttu, the young Canadian Palestinian lawyer from the PLO negotiation unit, who, although she simplistically identified the settlements as the main obstruction to peace, was thoughtful, eloquent and seemed to be working hard toward a just peace that would include a secure state of Israel.
We were saddened to hear that she will soon return to Canada in frustration. Israel needs a partner for peace. We wish the new Palestinian prime minister, Ahmed Qureia, the courage to control the voices of hatred and stop the violence.