Bill Graham

[Terrorism, October 30th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the premise in the hon. member's question is misleading at best and dishonest at worst. The member knows--

[Foreign Affairs, October 30th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, this is a matter of great concern to the government and of great concern to Canadians, but it is not true that we have told Canadians of Arab origin not to travel to the United States. We have informed them of the administrative issues which the United States has adopted for its own security.

The United States is legally entitled to adopt security measures on its territory for its own security, but we have told our American friends that we in Canada believe that Canadians are Canadians and we are confident of the security of our citizens, and we will work with our American colleagues all week to resolve this important issue in the interest of both our countries, which are multicultural countries and--

[Foreign Affairs, October 29th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we have obviously requested diplomatic access to this person. It is a most unfortunate incident. The American authorities are, of course, free to do whatever they feel is necessary to ensure security on their territory. Naturally, we always defend the interests of Canadians, and we will do so in this case also as we do in all cases involving Canadians in the United States.

[Iraq, October 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we are closely cooperating with the United States on defence issues. The situation in the Middle East, and particularly in Iraq, is undoubtedly serious. We are making every effort to avoid a war.

That being said, we are continuing to cooperate with the U.S. authorities to reduce tensions in that region and not give materiel to Iraqis under these circumstances.

[North Korea, October 22nd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we are obviously very concerned by the recent developments arising out of North Korea. We have communicated to the republic of North Korea the fact that the normalization of relations with North Korea will entirely depend upon its abandoning these weapons of mass destruction and its present program.

We continue to provide humanitarian aid for people in that country who are suffering. We have made it clear to that administration and those people that for them to enter into the family of nations and have regular contacts we must be assured that they are not a threat to the peace and security in the region. I am confident that we will continue to do so.

[Middle East, October 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, our position on Hezbollah is very clear. It is the same as that of the British government and most other governments of the world. We have condemned the military wing as a terrorist organization.

The policy of the government and the tradition of this country has always been one of seeking dialogue as a way of solving problems. It would not be consistent with that approach and in trying to defeat terrorism for us to name Lebanese members of parliament, teachers, doctors and farmers in southern Lebanon as terrorists.

[Middle East, October 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister was one among many world leaders, presidents of many countries invited to an event to address the opening of the francophonie summit. Lebanon, the host country, has control of the invitations. Those invitations are not vetted by the Prime Minister or any other attendee.

The francophonie summit permits us an opportunity for dialogue on cultures, on civilizations, on human rights and on other issues.

Our policy on Hezbollah is clear. We condemn its military wing as terrorists and we engage in dialogue with those with whom we wish to gain peace.

[Foreign Affairs, October 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, Canada takes great pride in being part of the Francophonie and we are proud of the Prime Minister's participation at Beirut.

We work in conjunction with all of the countries of the Francophonie, of course. Algeria, or certain regions of it, remains unsafe. It is, of course, our duty to inform Canadian citizens of this, but we continue to work with Algeria, with the Francophonie, and with the rest of the world to try to bring peace to all regions of the world.

[Foreign Affairs, October 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we have inquired of Syrian authorities and other authorities in that region to ascertain the presence of Mr. Arar. We have so far not been able to find an answer to our questions but that does not mean we are not making all efforts to do so. It is unreasonable for the hon. member to suggest that we are not making all efforts necessary to protect the life of a Canadian citizen who was abroad.

[Foreign Affairs, October 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we remain extremely concerned about the case of Mr. Arar. I have raised this issue with American authorities, with the ambassador and at the highest levels, to register our concern with the fact that Mr. Arar is a Canadian citizen and should have been treated as a Canadian citizen.

Our concern at this time is to find Mr. Arar and allow his family to enter into contact with him. This government is sparing no efforts whatsoever, and in fact we are exercising all our efforts to ensure that we are able to do that.