Ottawa – Zaytoun News
Canada’s new ambassador to the United Nations, David Lametti, said in his first interview since his appointment was announced that his government’s recognition of the State of Palestine aims to “safeguard the possibility of a two-state solution in the region.”
Lametti explained that “Hamas’s terrorist actions, including its refusal to release hostages, along with Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, threaten the viability of the two-state solution.” He added: “This is a critical and pivotal moment in the development of the situation.”
The former Minister of Justice under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and current senior advisor to Prime Minister Mark Carney will officially assume his post on November 17, succeeding Ambassador Bob Rae, who completed his five-year term last June.
According to government sources, Ottawa intends to officially announce its recognition of the State of Palestine on the sidelines of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to the United Nations next week, in a joint declaration with France, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Lametti emphasized that this recognition would not necessarily entail establishing diplomatic relations with a Hamas-led government, which, he said, “will have no place in the future of Palestine.”
The new ambassador stressed that the move would be carried out “gradually and carefully, in coordination with our partners,” without disclosing further details about the anticipated announcement.
Lametti will step down as Carney’s principal secretary after only a few months in the role, amid reports of internal tensions in the Prime Minister’s Office between him and Tom Pitfield, who shares the position of senior advisor. However, Lametti dismissed these accounts as “exaggerated,” asserting: “There was no real tension or conflict… we have worked together very effectively.”
He noted that his path toward becoming Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations began to take shape last summer, stating: “The prospect of joining the United Nations has always been on my mind.”
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