CANADA: CEASE-FIRE IS DUMB

Israeli ceasefire no solution to peace in Lebanon, MacKay says.
OTTAWA (CP) - It’s time to start working diplomatically toward peace in Lebanon - but that doesn’t mean a unilateral ceasefire by Israel, says Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay.

Speaking Sunday on television, MacKay refused to join other countries who have called on the Israelis to rein in their military offensive in the region.

Before hostilities can end, he said, both sides will have to agree on a solution that will ensure Israel doesn’t come under attack again from Hezbollah guerrillas using Lebanon as their base of operations.

“A ceasefire and a return to the status quo is a victory for Hezbollah,” MacKay warned. “Let’s not forget that this was an unprovoked attack by a terrorist organization . . . . The discussions have to focus on the long-term end of violence in the region.”