Prior to yesterday’s U.N. vote to recognize Palestine as a nonmember observer state, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird gave an impassioned speech against Palestinian statehood.
Canada was one of only nine nations to vote against the resolution. Today, citing the UN’s decision as “an impediment to peace,” Baird is recalling Canadian diplomats from Israel, the West Bank, New York, and Geneva.
“I want to get a sense from the diplomats what they see on the ground, how they see things going, and how we can effectively respond to what could be a new reality,” Baird told CBC News in an interview from New York on Friday.
Baird’s move is drawing the ire of pro-Palestinian Canadians:
https://twitter.com/zakiya_pirani/status/274542054581870592
Why is #Canada recalling its diplomats from Israel, West Bank & UN missions. They made their point and vioted against Palestine. Now what?
— Amber Khoja. (@amberkhoja) November 30, 2012
https://twitter.com/Beari8it/status/274516841353863168
Dear Palestine, the reprehensible diplomatic actions of the government of Canada does not represent the views of its citizens. Congrats.
— Calgary West (@Calgary_West) November 30, 2012
https://twitter.com/JonWiseman/status/274506754765754368
Baird needs to pull his head out of his ass and get with the program on Palestine. Our government is a disgrace! Stop Harper! #cdnpoIi
— Jon Benoite (@Intelevore) November 30, 2012
https://twitter.com/shahbaz__k/status/274531564040355840
Canada: one of only nine countries to vote against Palestinian statehood. One small step for Palestine, one giant embarrassment for Canada.
— Brian Medina (@BrianMedinaTo) November 30, 2012
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https://twitter.com/Molson_74/status/274519609623851008
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https://twitter.com/kingkuzco/status/274552330492465152
Pro-tip, Baird: sometimes, side with the 138 countries, you asshole:http://t.co/YazIpjKz
"let's PUNISH them for wanting to exist!"— Jamie Rennie (@jamie_rennie) November 30, 2012
The UN votes for #Palestine statehood & Canada is one of few dissenters, pulls diplomats & speaks of "thoughtful and deliberate” action? ugh
— Jack Pereira (@oftoronto) November 30, 2012
@HonJohnBaird @pmharper Hey Hon. Baird. Your views on Palestine are embarrassment to Canada. #shutthehellup#CDNpoli
— Distant socialite ? (@lulon) November 30, 2012
“@HuffPostCanada: Canada recalls diplomats over UN vote. http://t.co/Sk2YPnOg” Anybody have a paper bag? I'd like to wear it over my head.
— Outraged CdnGuy (@OutragedCdnGuy) November 30, 2012
https://twitter.com/Kentthelib/status/274566495181369344
https://twitter.com/TVardalos/status/274519728817586176
https://twitter.com/ploversworld/status/274548797735067649
Shame on us!!! Canada recalls diplomats after Palestinians win UN vote http://t.co/Jw9251EN
— djeetee (@djeetee) November 30, 2012
Minister Baird recalling the diplomats to review the whole relationship with Palestine. #WTF
— Bobby Sadri (@bobby_sadri08) November 30, 2012
No to Palestine, no to cheap drugs for poor countries, no to anti-bullying legislation. Canada, are you just a total jerk now?
— Jeffers Lennox (@jefferslennox) November 30, 2012
There are very few times when I've been embarrassed to be Canadian. Stay classy, Canada. http://t.co/eHYmaElS #cdnpoli
— Miranda Leffler (@mirandaleffler) November 30, 2012
https://twitter.com/E_Rock226/status/274560098989379585
https://twitter.com/PlanetSunset/status/274557525439946752
https://twitter.com/chamboknows/status/274540657970909185
Canada recalls envoys after Palestine vote http://t.co/9V8GLL96 Very disappointing! Canada is contesting a democratic UN resolution!!!
— Sam Qita (@samqita) November 30, 2012
Really, Canada? You're "retaliating" against the UN declaring Palestine a state? I'm ashamed of my country today.
— PETTY WAP (@2jam4u) November 30, 2012
But Baird is absolutely right. The U.N. wore out its welcome a long time ago and is nothing but a colossal diplomatic joke. The U.S. would be wise to follow in Canada’s footsteps.
https://twitter.com/AaronIMarcus/status/274567689509416960
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