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Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki says Canada’s vocal opposition to granting Palestinians upgraded status at the United Nations along with Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird’s recent visit to East Jerusalem were disappointing to his people.

But in an interview with Postmedia News Friday, Mr. al-Maliki praised what he believes is a desire on the part of the Harper government to set aside years of strained relations and work with the Palestinians in the name of peace in the Middle East.

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He says the feeling is mutual and that Palestinians welcome the opportunity to open a new chapter when it comes to ties between the two sides.

At the same time, Mr. al-Maliki said he is hoping Canada will use its close friendship with Israel to urge the Jewish state behind the scenes to stop what he described as “provocative” actions that could derail peace talks.

We know the good offices that Canada has with Israel could be used for raising these issues

“We know the good offices that Canada has with Israel could be used for raising these issues,” Mr. al-Maliki said.