OTTAWA - Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is urging the prime minister to take a greater role in the Middle East peace process after both men met separately with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
"Canada has a key role to play," Ignatieff said in a statement following his meeting Tuesday.
"Historically, our influence has been greatly respected the world over - and we must use that influence to help create a lasting peace in the Middle East."
Stephen Harper's staff released a description of his meeting with Abbas shortly afterward, saying the pair discussed possible approaches for getting the peace process on track.
"Canada believes that these issues must be settled between the parties themselves," the statement said.
"Canada also remains prepared to assist in the peace process in anyway the parties would find useful, and will continue the support it has provided on the security and refugee issues."
Canada chairs a Refugee Working Group as part of the Mideast peace process, looking at ways to address the plight of millions of Palestinian refugees spread across the region.
Both the Conservatives and the Liberals support a two-state solution to the current conflict.
