Harper to Netanyahu: Canada seeks 'peaceful' end to Iran tensions
By Lee Berthiaume and Mark Kennedy
Postmedia News
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper declared Friday that Canada wants to see a "peaceful resolution" to the international crisis building over Iran's nuclear ambitions — but he added that he still recognizes Israel's right to defend itself through military action.
The comments came at a news conference on Parliament Hill, where Harper stood next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after a private meeting.
Netanyahu began his meeting with Harper warning that Iran poses a "grave threat" to global security — adding that Israel is prepared to "defend" itself if necessary.
Harper was asked by journalists if Canada would support a unilateral, pre-meditated military strike by Israel against Iran to stop its nuclear program.
He reiterated that he believes Iran's nuclear ambitions remain a "serious concern," but in a departure from strong rhetoric that has marked his comments in recent months, Harper adopted a more diplomatic tone.
"We, of course, recognize the right of Israel to defend itself as a sovereign state, as a Jewish state. That said, we want to see a peaceful resolution of this issue. And we want to see every action taken to get a peaceful resolution of the situation."
In recent weeks, it had not been clear where Canada — which has become a major ally of Israel under the Harper government — stands on the question of an Israeli attack on Iran.
Other countries such as the United States and Britain have made it clear they are not in favour of such a move, arguing it is not yet necessary and voicing fears it would spark a much larger conflict in the Middle East.
As Netanyahu fielded questions Friday with Harper, he made a strong case for why he thinks the world should consider all options against Iran.
"The international community must do everything it can to stop it. The danger is not only to Israel. Obviously, it is a danger to Israel. But I think it is a danger to the whole world."
Netanyahu said Iran already has an abysmal record — taking threatening actions in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Strait of Hormuz. He said that "all options should be left on the table."
"They hang gays, they stone women. This is what they are doing today without nuclear weapons. Imagine what a regime like this would do if they had atomic weapons?"
Netanyahu noted that there have been rumblings of potential talks with Iran over the issue. He warned that Iran has "exploited" such talks in the past to delay international action.
"I think the international community should not fall into this trap."
As he shook Harper's hand before their meeting, Netanyahu said he wanted to discuss with Harper "the remarkable turbulence that is shaking the Middle East, and of course Iran's relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons.
"I know from many conversations that we've had that you share my view: That this is a grave threat to the peace and security of the world," he said.
"And I think it's important that the international community not allow this threat to materialize. For Israel, like any sovereign country, we reserve the right to defend ourselves against a country that calls and works for our destruction."
He added that it was "particularly gratifying to be among such good friends here in Ottawa."
Just minutes earlier, in the nearby House of Commons chamber, the government appeared to reveal a reluctance to endorse military action against Iran.
Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae asked Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird to clarify Canada's position on the issue. He asked Baird if Canada supports countries such as the U.S. and Britain in their concern about a "unilateral" attack by any nation against Iran.
"We obviously don't want to see any military action," Baird replied.
"That's why we're working hard with the United States and the European Union, with the United Kingdom and others to take every single diplomatic effort necessary to try to ensure that Iran doesn't achieve nuclear weapons status.
"We believe right now the best course to take is every single diplomatic action. And that's exactly what Canada is doing."
Earlier, at a news conference, Rae said his party shares the deep international concern about Iran's nuclear ambitions and horrific human rights record.
But he said any action taken should be done on a multilateral basis — not just by one country.
"This is not a subject which affects Israel alone. It's a question that touches countries around the world. None of us want to see a nuclear-armed Iran. None of us want to see an increase in tensions and conflict in the Middle East. I think it's very important that we look at this not simply as an issue between Israel and Iran, but understand that it's an issue that has much broader implications for the world."
NDP foreign affairs critic Helene Laverdiere called Harper's focus on diplomacy "a step in the right direction."
"We don't think that all the rhetoric about military action will solve anything," she told Postmedia News.
"Yes, Israel has a right to exist. Yes, Israel has a right to defend itself. But it must be a negotiated solution."
This is the Israeli leader's second visit to Canada in three years.
lberthiaume@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/leeberthiaume
mkennedy(at)postmedia.com
Twitter.com/Mark_Kennedy_
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