It’s Good Having Stephen Around
CTV - Harper forces debate on Mideast declaration
Members of the Francophonie summit have agreed to a compromise on a contentious resolution after Prime Minister Stephen Harper blocked the original proposal.
The original wording of the resolution recognized Lebanon’s suffering in this summer’s 34-day conflict, but not Israel’s.
Harper took a strong stance against the Egyptian-proposed resolution which most of the 72 members supported. He urged the organization to recognize the suffering of both nations.
After returning to the conference table to hammer out the wording of the resolution, the French-speaking states eventually agreed unanimously to support a compromise that called for the end of hostilities and a return to calm. …
French President Jacques Chirac urged members to consider Harper’s proposal.
Lebanon had reservations, however. Culture Minister Tarek Mitri said he wanted a resolution that favoured his country and condemned the war as deplorable.
He also said Canada was the only country that opposed the original resolution.
Hmm. Curtsies to LGF.
Here’s the Wiki on La Francophonie. We’re not members, despite Louisiana (pff).
September 30th, 2006 at 12:46 am
“Francophonie”: one of those words which are meaningful in at least two languages.
Good on The Harper, though! Canada was the only country that opposed the original resolution. That must be a first in living memory. Welcome to the dark side.
October 1st, 2006 at 6:32 am
It’s like the UN for beginners. “We won’t make you take a principled stand with the grownups yet, but see how you can manage with just the French speakers.” “Trial by fire?!” “Be brave, my son.”