CBC : Liberal MP resigns post after comments about Hezbollah

Liberal MP resigns post after comments about Hezbollah

CBC News | August 23, 2006

Liberal MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj has resigned as foreign affairs critic following his controversial remark that Canada should negotiate with Hezbollah, a group Canada considers a terrorist organization.

Bill Graham, the Liberals' interim leader, told reporters that Wrzesnewskyj tendered his resignation. Graham said that under the circumstances, he felt it was appropriate to accept it.

During a tour of the Middle East with NDP and Bloc colleagues, the Toronto MP was quoted as saying that Hezbollah should be taken off Canada's list of terrorist organizations.

He later denied making those remarks, insisting that he considers Hezbollah a terrorist organization.

But he said he was concerned Ottawa's list of terrorist groups doesn't differentiate between the militant and political wings of the party.

He said Canada's legislation should be amended to allow contact with the political arms of banned organizations.

All 10 leadership hopefuls condemned the remarks. Scott Brison and Carolyn Bennett said Wrzesnewskyj should no longer retain his post as a foreign affairs spokesman.