A resolution calling on Canada to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization as the representative of the Palestinian people was defeated by the 1,200 delegates attending the 50th anniversary convention of the New Democratic Party in Regina, Saskatchewan. But the resolution that emerged after a 90 minute debate endorsed the principle of a homeland for the Palestinians.
The resolution stated that Palestinian demands for a homeland were a valid and important cornerstone of peace in the Middle East. While it urged the PLO and Arab states to recognize Israel’s right to exist, it also supported PLO involvement in the Mideast peace process and asked an end to Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. The resolution called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon.
The refusal to recognize the PLO was explained by Bob Rae, NDP leader in Ontario. “I don’t remember ever an election return that elected the PLO to anything,” he said. “I believe it is essential to keep a sense of perspective about who and what is a democratic voice in the Middle East today. We will recognize democratically elected governments and no one else.”
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