Canadian Foreign Minister Baird Addresses AJC Global Forum

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May 15, 2014, 12:51 ET

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird told the AJC Global Forum that his nation favors a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," but "there can be no constructive discussion with anyone wedded to Israel's destruction. There can be no bargaining over Israel's existence."

Canadian Foreign Minister addressing the AJC Global Forum in Washington, DC (PRNewsFoto/American Jewish Committee)

Addressing the Global Forum closing plenary session, Baird explained that Canada's strong support of Israel as "a truly special nation" derives from admiration for the way the Jewish people has overcome "extraordinary hardships" to achieve "extraordinary things," creating an exemplary society that stands in stark contrast to other nations in the Middle East.

"Our support for Israel hasn't always won us popularity contests at the UN," said Baird. "But we will not apologize for the positions we take, because we stand for what is right."

On the Iranian nuclear threat, Baird said, "I'm deeply skeptical about Iran's intentions." And he vowed that "until we are given real reasons to trust their words, Canada's sanctions will remain in full force."

If Iran were truly interested only in the peaceful use of nuclear power as it claims, Baird said, it would "build nuclear generation capacity out in the open, not buried deep beneath the rock," and "allow for full transparency."

In addition to the nuclear issue, Baird said Canada is concerned about human rights and terrorism. Canada will remain doubtful of Tehran's intentions until the "Supreme Leader's words and actions produce the human rights that the Iranian people deserve, or ceases the sponsorship of terrorism abroad in Syria, Lebanon and elsewhere."

Baird also warned of resurgent international anti-Semitism, often "cloaked in references to Zionism or the state of Israel."

He said the campaigns to boycott Israeli businesses "demand a vigilant response that repudiates hatred for what it is, and cherishes those who cling closely to our shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law."

The foreign minister spoke of Canada's "deep, emotional and historical" relations with the United States, and recalled how the two nations have often "stood shoulder-to-shoulder on global issues"—as they do today on "Russia's provocations in Ukraine." He urged U.S. approval of the Keystone XL pipeline since it would further "prosperity and security" for both nations.

This was Minister Baird's second appearance at an AJC Global Forum. He previously addressed it in 2012. More than 2000 people from across the U.S. and 70 countries around the world attended the 2014 Global Forum.

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SOURCE American Jewish Committee