The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement:

“Canada is concerned by the continued violence in Israel and the West Bank. ‎The violence has persisted for over 100 days.

“Canada believes strongly in a two-state solution and that negotiations provide the only viable path to peace. As a steadfast ally and friend to Israel, Canada calls for all efforts to be made to reduce violence and incitement and to help build the conditions for a return to the negotiating table.

“Unilateral actions, such as Palestinian initiatives toward statehood in international forums and continued Israeli settlements, are unhelpful and constitute serious obstacles to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”