Continued from here.
babblers might be interested in knowing that Thomas Mulcair's campaign has been reading rabble.ca's NDP Leadership roundups, which have been based on babble's discussion. The latest one is here.
It includes a paragraph on babble's ongoing discussion about Mulcair, Israel and foreign policy:
Thomas Mulcair's avowed support for Israel continues to dominate the discussion as he emerges as a likely frontrunner as the membership deadline passes. Many pointed out that Mulcair does not appear to support Palestinian statehood and babbler Left Turn pointed to claims from Canadians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East (CPJME) that he is out of line with NDP policy.
Mulcair's campaign director responded with an email which includes Mulcair's official position on the Middle East. I've quoted it here in its entirety. Apologies if it has already been posted somewhere!
As Leader of the New Democratic Party, my approach to the Middle East
would be rooted in our party's long standing values and policies. As I
outlined in my recent policy announcement regarding foreign affairs, I am
committed to an approach to foreign policy that integrates trade, aid,
military, human rights, and climate change policies. Canada should offer
preferential trade and assistance to countries based on their commitment to
human rights, labour standards and environmental protection. As Prime
Minister I would also work to implement the recommendations of the National
Roundtables on Corporate Social Responsibility to ensure Canadian
corporations, especially in the mining and extracting industries, conform
to international standards.Canada's role in the Middle East should be, first and foremost, that of an
honest broker representing our common values—supporting all those
committed to the pursuit of peace, justice, democracy and economic
development that benefits the average citizen, not only the elite.The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a human tragedy that has continued for
far too long. I reject the one-sided approach taken by the current
government. Support for Israel and the Palestinians is not a zero-sum game.
Support for Israel’s existence must not come at the expense of
Palestinian national aspirations, and vice-versa. Both peoples have an
absolutely equal right to self-determination.Towards a two-state solution:
The NDP has a longstanding policy of support for a negotiated two-state
solution which includes the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to live
in peace in viable, independent states with negotiated, agreed-upon
borders. A State for Palestinians existing alongside a State for
Israelis—two states for two peoples—is the best guarantor for peace,
security, prosperity, democracy, and social justice for both Israelis and
Palestinians. An NDP government must work with both Israelis and
Palestinians to forge that comprehensive peace accord and mark a final end
to this conflict.As we work toward the goal of a negotiated peace, I would follow the path
laid out by our party caucus: Canada should support efforts by the Obama
administration and other governments to negotiate language at the United
Nations that would recognize the right of both states to exist while
reaffirming the need for a negotiated settlement to the conflict rather
than simply walking away from the table as has been the case with the
current government. If we are to be an honest broker—if we reject the
current government's one sided approach—we must hold both sides in this
conflict to the same standard.Borders:
Israeli settlements in the West Bank have been one of the chronic
impediments to peace and constitute a violation of the 4th Geneva
Convention. The consensus on how best to resolve this issue, as articulated
by U.S. President Barack Obama, is through mutually agreed upon land swaps
between Israel and the Palestinians in charting the definitive border
between the two states. Based on UN Security Council Resolution 242, Israel
must withdraw from territories occupied in 1967 in exchange for an end of
conflict and acknowledgement of its right to exist in peace and security
within recognized borders, free from threats or acts of force. An NDP
government must push both sides to abide by Resolution 242 and reach a
comprehensive peace agreement without delay.Refugees:
Canada, as the gavel holder of the Refugee Working Group tasked with
finding a solution for Palestinian refugees, is well placed to take a
leadership role on the world stage in resolving this fundamental aspect of
the Israel-Palestinian conflict. With our history of peaceful dispute
resolution, Canada can have a major impact in helping the parties to
overcome this critical impasse, successfully ameliorating the situation of
the Palestinian refugees. Canada’s government must step up to the plate
and play a more active role in solving this pressing problem.The debate here at home:
The debate about issues in the Middle East is intense and yet highly
sensitive to many of those involved. As leaders, we should encourage an
open and constructive debate. Canada can regain its reputation as a bridge
builder. The NDP position on this issue, which is and always has been my
position, seeks to achieve a lasting peace. That should be the only goal.Thomas Mulcair