Inclusion of Palestinian and Israeli national societies into Red Cross and Red Crescent movement – Statement by Foreign Minister Peter MacKay – Canadian MOFA Press release/Non-UN document

June 23, 2006 (10:00 a.m. EDT)
No. 71

STATEMENT BY MINISTER MACKAY ON THE INCLUSION OF PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI NATIONAL SOCIETIES INTO RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Foreign Affairs Minister and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today made the following statement welcoming the recent decision of the 29th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent to admit the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the Israeli national society Magen David Adom into the Movement:

“Canada welcomes the new membership of both the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the Israeli national society Magen David Adom into the oldest international humanitarian institution, and one of the most effective.

“With the entry of both entities into the Movement, and their mutual cooperation, the needs of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians can be more effectively met. Civilians on both sides will benefit from greater access to emergency services and humanitarian protection.”

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