Re: Compare the political responses
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Posted by Al Gordon on 09:37:24 2004/10/26
In Reply to:
Re: Coren: Elmasry said it posted by Al Gordon
Department of Foreign Affairs
"That is not the Canadian way," Mr. McTeague [parliamentary secretary to Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew] added, when asked about Dr. Elmasry's comments, "and that is certainly not something I've known Mr. Elmasry to say in the past.... I think in the spirit of ensuring that there is no misunderstanding -- it's a very serious statement to make -- I'm sure Mr. Elmasry will have an opportunity to clarify that as soon as possible."
New Democratic Party
Former New Democratic Party leader Alexa McDonough, who said she had written to Dr. Elmasry, expressed as much puzzlement as anger about his position. "It stands in stark contrast to my consistent experience in dealing with the Canadian Islamic Congress," Ms. McDonough said. She called Dr. Elmasry "a key leader in the Islamic community who has earned a reputation for respect." "This is very alarming to me to hear at least the reports of what he said," Ms. McDonough added.
Liberal MP
"It's an inappropriate comment to make," Ms. Ratansi [Liberal MP] said. "He shouldn't have made such comments."
Stockwell Day, Conservative Party of Canada
"Everybody has known that groups like Hamas and other assassins have always proudly proclaimed the right to slaughter the innocent," [Stockwell Day, foreign affairs critic for the Conservative Party of Canada] said, referring to the Palestinian group that has claimed responsibility for some suicide bombings in the past. "Now, with Elmasry's statement, it's confirming the fears many Canadians have that Muslims in general accept the view that slaughtering the innocent is acceptable," Mr. Day added. "I don't believe that most Muslims do accept that view ... but unless this guy is unceremoniously punted out of his position and unless there are very strong and clear statements refuting what he says, then that fear that many Canadians have will unfortunately grow."
Day calls for Muslim leader to be removed
Anti-semitic comments
Joe Paraskevas
CanWest News Service
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
OTTAWA - Politicians reacted with outrage and disbelief yesterday to recent comments by a Canadian Muslim leader who suggested all adult Israelis are "legitimate targets" for assassination.
Conservative foreign affairs critic Stockwell Day called for the immediate removal of Mohamed Elmasry, president of the Canadian Islamic Congress (CIC), after Dr. Elmasry made a series of remarks last week, first on a television panel and later in a newspaper interview.
Dr. Elmasry said all Israeli men and women are justifiable targets for Palestinian terrorists -- even suicide bombers -- because Israelis must serve in their country's army.
Other members of Parliament, while as upset as Mr. Day, took more moderate positions, saying Dr. Elmasry's remarks sounded out of character, preferring to give the CIC president a chance to explain himself.
"It would be incumbent on Mr. Elmasry and the association which he represents to clarify the record, that they do not in any way shape or form, condone any type of violence toward any group of any type," said Dan McTeague, parliamentary secretary to Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew.
"That is not the Canadian way," Mr. McTeague added, when asked about Dr. Elmasry's comments, "and that is certainly not something I've known Mr. Elmasry to say in the past.... I think in the spirit of ensuring that there is no misunderstanding -- it's a very serious statement to make -- I'm sure Mr. Elmasry will have an opportunity to clarify that as soon as possible."
Former New Democratic Party leader Alexa McDonough, who said she had written to Dr. Elmasry, expressed as much puzzlement as anger about his position.
"It stands in stark contrast to my consistent experience in dealing with the Canadian Islamic Congress," Ms. McDonough said.
She called Dr. Elmasry "a key leader in the Islamic community who has earned a reputation for respect."
"This is very alarming to me to hear at least the reports of what he said," Ms. McDonough added.
Liberal MP Yasmin Ratansi, one of a handful of Muslims -- and the first Muslim woman -- elected to Parliament, was also low-key in her disapproval of Dr. Elmasry.
"It's an inappropriate comment to make," Ms. Ratansi said. "He shouldn't have made such comments."
But Mr. Day went further than others, suggesting Dr. Elmasry's remarks could have an effect on the Canadian perception of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
"Everybody has known that groups like Hamas and other assassins have always proudly proclaimed the right to slaughter the innocent," Mr. Day said, referring to the Palestinian group that has claimed responsibility for some suicide bombings in the past.
"Now, with Elmasry's statement, it's confirming the fears many Canadians have that Muslims in general accept the view that slaughtering the innocent is acceptable," Mr. Day added.
"I don't believe that most Muslims do accept that view ... but unless this guy is unceremoniously punted out of his position and unless there are very strong and clear statements refuting what he says, then that fear that many Canadians have will unfortunately grow."
In a statement last weekend, the CIC tried to explain Dr. Elmasry was trying to articulate not his own view but rather the beliefs of some Palestinians. A CIC spokeswoman said Dr. Elmasry expressed regret at his remarks.
Jewish and Muslim leaders, who had originally denounced Dr. Elmasry, remained skeptical after his explanation.
Yesterday, the National Council on Canada-Arab Relations was the latest group to react.
"Saying that all Israelis over the age of 18 are valid targets for violent attacks is unacceptable," council executive director Mazen Chouaib said in a statement.
"The comments do not reflect those of the Canadian-Arab community that is dedicated to peace, justice and the rule of law. The ensuing comments that implicated Palestinians as subscribing to this view are most disturbing. Canadians of Palestinian origin oppose such views, as do most Arab-Canadians."
The group called on Dr. Elmasry to retract and clarify his views.
© National Post 2004
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