FAAE Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met at 9:06 a.m. this day, in Room 269 West Block, the Chair, Bernard Patry, presiding.

The Committee resumed consideration of Clause 2 of the Bill.

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 10:51 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 10:56 a.m., the sitting resumed.

The Committee proceeded to discuss its future business.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) the Committee consider issues relating to UNICEF and that the Executive Director be invited to appear on February 15, 2005.

Ted Menzies, seconded by Dan McTeague, moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee, in light of the tsunami disaster in Asia, examine Canada’s role in promoting peace and security in the affected regions, as well as Canada’s capability to respond to international humanitarian catastrophes, and that the responsible Ministers, beginning with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as other appropriate witnesses, be invited to appear.

Debate arose thereon.

On motion of Francine Lalonde, it was agreed, — That the motion be amended by inserting between the words “capability” and “to respond” the words “, including consular services”.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

Alexa McDonough moved, — That pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) the Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs and International Trade agrees to report the following:

Concerned about the ongoing tensions along the Eritrea-Ethiopia Border which jeopardizes the tenuous peace reached with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on December 12, 2000 in Algiers;

Welcomes the recommendations of the Eritrea-Ethiopia boundary Commission, created by Article 4.2 of the Algiers Agreement, to demarcate the disputed border between the two countries;

Mindful that following Article 4.5 of the Algiers Agreement, the recommendations of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission are binding on both parties of the conflict and are final;

Agrees with the April 13, 2002 decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission to grant the disputed town of Badme to Eritrea;

Aware of the controversial nature of the Badme decision and the catalyst role of this settlement in the initiation of hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea;

Alarmed over Ethiopian failure to fully comply with, and accept, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission’s recommendations, especially with regards to the town of Badme;

Concerned that the destruction during the war, the current stalemate in the peace process, and the cumulative effects of drought have dealt a serious blow to the Eritrean economy, reducing that country’s capacity to cover food requirements through imports;

Appreciative of the leadership role that Canada has played in the United Nations mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), including the deployment of peacekeepers to the region at the cessation of hostilities;

Recognizes the efforts of Lloyd Axworthy, UN Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa;

Calls on the government of Canada to increase the pressure on the Government of Ethiopia to accept, in full, the recommendations of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission, including the decision of the town of Badme;

Proposes that the Government of Canada forcefully indicate to the Government of Ethiopia that our future cooperation would heavily depend on Ethiopia’s acquiescence to the recommendations of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission;

Suggests that the government of Canada offer incentives, in terms of developmental aid and other assistance to the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea, if they live up to their obligations under the comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in Algiers, especially with regards to the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission provisions.

Suggests that the government of Canada offer assistance under UN auspices, to the governments of Eritrea and Ethiopia to help in the demobilization of their respective armies.

Debate arose thereon.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing 108(2), the Committee examine the Eritrea-Ethiopia border question and that the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy be invited to appear.

The Committee proceeded to consider issues related to the consideration of Bill C-25, An Act governing the operation of remote sensing space systems.

It was agreed, — That another meeting with witnesses be held during the week of February 7 and that winesses be invited from the lists submitted by members pursuant to the motion of December 13, 2004 on Bill C-25.

At 11:27 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.