The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the Canadian government’s announcement that it plans to recognize the State of Palestine and called President Trump’s implicit threat to scuttle a trade agreement with Canada over its decision the “latest sign” that his administration is putting Israel first, not America first.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement on Wednesday, saying that Canada would recognize Palestine in September, assuming the Palestinian Authority follows through on several commitments.
In a statement, CAIR said:
“We welcome the Canadian government’s long overdue decision to join most nations around the world in recognizing the State of Palestine.
“President Trump’s implicit threat to scuttle a U.S.-Canda trade agreement over Canada’s decision is the latest sign that the Trump administration is pursuing an Israel First foreign policy, not an America First foreign policy.
“President Trump should demand an end to Israel’s U.S.-funded oppression of the Palestinian people and join Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and most other nations in recognizing the State of Palestine.”
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) welcomed Canada’s decision Wednesday to recognize Palestine as a state in September, calling it a “historic” move and “a small step in the right direction.”
Earlier this month, CAIR welcomed the French government’s planned recognition of a Palestinian state.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes France’s Planned Recognition of Palestine, Urges Other Nations to Follow Suit
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com