Statement by the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy
Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Middle East peace Process
Steering Group Meeting

Moscow, Russia
February 1, 2000

I would like to begin thanking our co-chairs for organizing this meeting and to Foreign Minister Ivanov for his hospitality.

There is caulious optimism today that we are once again moving closer to the elusive goal of comprehensive and listing peace in the Middle East. This is welcome news for all of us- but mostly for the people of the Middle East.

From the outset, the prospects for peace are clearly linked to bilateral negotiations, and to the willingness of the region’s leaders to make them successful. This remains to case today, and the signslare promising.

The determination and commitment of the peace process co-sponsors is no less indispensable. In that regard, I wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Secretary Albright. Indeed, the advance made to date would have been impossible without her engagement and US leadership, together with the active support and participation of our Russians host.

Canada joins others here in welcoming progress and encouraging the parties guided by the principles set out in UNSC resolution 242 – to maintain the current momentum for lasting peace.

However, the encouragement of the global community alone is not enough. We also need to provide concrete support. That is why we are gathered here in Moscow.

Without doubt, the responsibilty for sustainable peace lies with those directly concerned. As a result, the focus must remain primarly on direct negotiations. However, an effective multilateral track can contribute to these efforts by building confidence and trust among the parties. And sooner or later, the international community will be called on to help in the implementation of peace agreements.

The moment is right therefore for us to review the state of the multllateral track and to consider the role it might play in supporting the renewed drive for peace.

The objectives of multilateral efforts have been to address subjects that go beyond the province of any one set to bilateral negotiations and to serve as a means for cooperation on important issues that affect the daily lives of people. For Canada, as chair of the Refugee Working Group, this remains the essence of our work.

The situation of refugees, a key human seurity concern, is an important element of the multilateral process. The actions of the Refugee Working Group, like those of the other groups, have been affected by the past ups and downs of the bilateral track. Nevertherless, with the support of the core parties, the work of the RWG has continued throughout the past eight years.

The RWG has undertaken missions to refugee camps in the West Bank/Gaza Strip, and in Jordan. Simllar missions have been conducted to Lebanon and Syria. These have served as a way for refugees to speak directly to the international community about their concerns and needs. One result has been agreement on a program for university scholarships for Palestinian refugee women in Lebanon, supported by Qatar, Canada and other donors. New donors are also welcome.

The Group has also worked to assist the parties speed up and expand the family reunification process. In addition, Canada and Kuwait have funded a project, to be completed by year’s end, relocating close to 500 Palestinian refugee families from the Sinal back to Gaza. Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority should be commended for their cooperation in this area.

Support for UNRWA is another concern. Canada uses every occasion to emphasize that UNRWA must have adequate resources to continue being a source of stability and of hope for refugees in the camps.

For out part, Canada understands that leadership of the RWG must be matched by tangible support for Palestinian refugees and the peace process. As a result, our contribution to UNRWA has increased over 40% since 1997. Over the past 5 years, we have contributed $ 130 million to programs in the region, particularly in the camps themselves. This includes projects – from direct meetings to virtual links via the Internet – aimed at increasing direct contact and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.

Allow me to take this occasion to underline the very effective contribution of the RWG’s Sheperds: France, Norway, Italy, USA, Sweden, and Switzerland as shepnerd for the human dimension.

In the past, the greatest challenge the RWG faced was finding the right balance between those with different approaches to its work. It has managed nevertheless to help reassure the refugees that their plight had not be forgotten – primarily through activities to address their living conditions.

The beginning of permanat status negotiations has changed the political context in which the RWG operates. This suggests a new phase for it to work. Without doubt, peace and stability can not be achieved in the absence of a just solution to the refugee question. And as we are all aware, the refugee Issue has important regional and international dimensions – and In this regard, I note the presence here of UN representative.

We believe that the RWG can play a constructive role in the new circumstances> But what this role should be depends on clear direction. In particular from the core parties. I strongly encourage them to reflect on the support the Group can provide, both to their negotiations and to the Implementation of an agreement.

To that end, I would urge them to consider the contribution the RWG could make, not only in humanitarian terms, but with regard to the international policy dimension of the issue.

It seems that a solution with alargely regional focus, respecting the rights of the refugees and offering them choices as to their future, Is most likely to receive the support of the international community.

Finally, the provisions of an eventual agreement will involve considerable resurces. In addition, expectations will be high that its terms be implemented rapidly. Indeed, the success of peace agreements will doubtless depend on it.

Yet, we are far from ready. As a result, I would recommend that the Steering Group authorise that this important preparatory work begin now. As part of this process, I propose that the RWG meet at the plenary level in May of this year in Ottawa.

As for the future of the multilateral track as a whole, I am firmly convinced that it can make a greater contribution to the peace process. The emphasis on people, on issuse that directly affect indivdual lives – safety, well-being anf human rights remains appropriate, perhaps even more relevant today than in 1992. And because the issuse cut across boundaries and demand joint solutions – far from being a zero – sum game – it is a process that benefits all parties while advancing peace.

But to succeed, the multilateral track needs renewed energy. It is up to the regional parties – and here we would encourage Syria and Lebanon to now become full multilateral partners – to provide the Impetus, to reiterate the commitment, and to articulate a clear direction for this process. In contemplating the future, I would encourage them to make creative use of the Working Groups. Given the considerable expertise and resources that can be harnessed, these Groups could be utilized not exclusively as vehicles for assistance projects, but for analysis and perhaps recommendations on shaping future relationships in the region.

As a practical matter, we also believe there is scope for collaboration and linkages between Working Groups. The RWG for example, might usefully collaborate with the Regional Economic Development group. At the same time, we would encourage Working Group to resume the activities of this important body.

Finally, the presence of landmines on disputed territories could have a direct negative impact on both the environment and the socio-economic development in the region in its post-conflict period. Canada strongly believes that mine action must be integrated to the multilateral track of the Peace Process, in order to ensure that there is Arabia land with good agricultural potential, safely offered to the people of the region.

To achive this goal, Canada is prepared to coordinate efforts to integrate mine action into the Middle East Peace Process. We would like to explore possible mine action in the Golan Heights, Southern Lebanon and West Bank. Gaza. Activities could include training, mine clearance, victim assistance and mine awareness. Together, Canada, Norway, Israel and Jordan are already working to make the Jordan Valley a mine-free zone by the end of this year.

Now that the Steering Group has met again at the ministerial level, I believe we should continue the practice, perhaps rotating between meetings involving senior officials and those involving Ministers. Canada would pleased to offer to host a future meeting of the Steering Group.

Peace begins and ends with people. The impetus for peace is ,ultimately, the security and well-being of the individual. This is no more or less true in the Middle East than elsewhere. It is certainly a focus of the multilateral process we are here to advance. Canada looks forward to working with all of our partners to that end and we wish you all well in your own endeavours

Thank you.