Canada ready to send peacekeeping troops to settle Palestinian-Israeli conflict

If necessary, Canada is ready to sent its peacekeeping troops to the Middle East to settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, said Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien in St.Petersburg on Friday when answering journalists' questions.

"If it is necessary to send peacekeeping troops there, Canada will take part in it," Chretien said. Canada has long been actively participating in the Middle East peace process, he pointed out.

The Prime Minister recalled that his country had taken part in solving the problems of Lebanese refugees, its peacekeepers had been stationed in Cyprus.

Peacekeeping activities are number one priority for Canada, Chretien emphasized.