UNGA Resolution on the Status of Jerusalem: Canada's Explanation of Vote

Thank you Mr. President,

• Canada is strongly committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel.
• Canada considers the status of Jerusalem a final-status issue. Canada’s longstanding position is that the status of Jerusalem can be resolved only as part of a general settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
• Canada continues to support building the conditions necessary for the parties to find a peaceful solution. We are disappointed that this resolution is one sided and does not advance prospects for peace to which we aspire, which is why we have abstained on today’s vote on A/ES-10/L.22.
• Mr. President, we also take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of the city of Jerusalem to the three monotheistic religions. Denying the connection between Jerusalem and the Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths undermines the integrity of the site for all. We also reiterate the need to maintain the status quo at Jerusalem’s Holy sites.
• Canada calls for calm and firmly condemns the violence, terrorism, and targeting of civilians witnessed in the past weeks.

Thank you.