Cablegate: Canada Commits $300 Million for the Palestinian

VZCZCXRO3859
OO RUEHGA RUEHHA RUEHQU RUEHVC
DE RUEHOT #2272 3512008
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 172008Z DEC 07
FM AMEMBASSY OTTAWA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7038
INFO RUCNCAN/ALL CANADIAN POSTS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY

UNCLAS OTTAWA 002272

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/IPA (BELGRADE) AND EEB/IFD/ODF (DEMARCELLUS)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID KWBG KPAL IS CA
SUBJECT: CANADA COMMITS $300 MILLION FOR THE PALESTINIAN
TERRITORIES

REF: A. OTTAWA 2225

B. STATE 163955

1. (U) As anticipated (ref a), Canada has made a sizable
commitment -- $300 million over the next five years -- in
support of the Palestine Authority and the Middle East peace
process. At the Paris donors' conference on December 17,
Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier pledged to "increase our
participation in reform of the Palestinian security system in
areas including the civilian police, justice, and
corrections" and to "support institution-building in the
Palestinian Authority and help build a better public
service." He also promised to help the Palestinian economy
through private sector development. However, he warned that
future Canadian funding "is not unconditional" and said that
Canada will look for "demonstrable progress in negotiations
by both sides, as well as progress in Palestinian democratic
reforms." He reiterated that Canada's goal is "a viable
Palestinian state that is democratic, accountable, and living
in peace and security as a neighbour to Israel."

2. (U) According to a background paper that the Department
of Foreign Affairs and International Trade issued on December
17, Canada in 2006-7 already provided $25 million in programs
for the West Bank and Gaza, including humanitarian
assistance. In addition, Canada donated $15 million in
support of Palestinian refugees through the United Nations
Relief and Work Agency and unspecified other funding through
the United States Security Coordinator.

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