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Canadian
Muslims Demand Stockwell Day Resign
WASHINGTON, May 13 (IslamOnline) - Muslim and Arab representatives in Canada called for the immediate resignation of Stockwell Day from his position as leader of the Canadian Alliance party, accusing him of fomenting racial hatred against Palestinians.
Day, in a speech to the Canadian Jewish Congress last week, blamed the Palestinians for the violence.
Blaming Arafat for the escalation of violence he said, "We know that paramilitary organizations, including the Hezbollah, Hamas and Arafat's own militia, the Tanzim, continue to train and participate in the attacks."
He also said that Israel holds the high moral ground.
"There's a moral difference between an accidental injury or the death of bystanders who are tragically caught in a crossfire of violence . . . and the deliberate murder of innocent people in a premeditated act of terrorism, and those differences should be portrayed," he added.
His comments caused outrage among Canada's Muslim and Arab residents, with many members of his party threatening to quit party membership.
Muslim leaders are also contemplating bringing a libel lawsuit against Day.
In a briefing held yesterday in London, Ontario, Munir El-Kassem of the Canadian Islamic Congress said, "He is not fit to be the leader of the opposition. A national leader is expected to unite all segments of society, not to instigate racial hatred and intolerance."
El-Kassem's call for Day's resignation was also supported by Atif Kubursi, president of the National Council of Arab-Canada Relations: "Mr. Day is not entitled to foment strife amongst communities. He is not entitled to build his faltering leadership on a maligned people," said Kubursi.
Kubursi also said that his organization has received a letter from Day outlining the Alliance's position on the Middle East but it falls short of apologizing for his controversial comments.
"It is not good enough," said Kubursi.
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