SINN FEIN STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH GAZA
Sinn Féin’s Assembly Team held an event this today at 11:30am on the steps of Stormont to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This was supported by Ireland –Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
Speaking ahead of the event Sinn Féin Chief Whip and North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said that this was a ’simple’ expression of solidarity with the beleaguered people of Gaza.
Ms Ní Chuilín said,
“Monday’s event will bring together the Sinn Fein Assembly Team as well as other groups and organisations, to highlight, in a small way, our solidarity with the people of Gaza.
“Sinn Féin is calling for an immediate end to attacks on all civilians; we are calling for a ceasefire and for urgent aid to be allowed into Gaza.
“What is going on is an international humanitarian crisis and we hope that this further, all be it a simple expression of our solidarity and our hope to see the horrific events over, will add to the countless international calls for inclusive negotiations.”
Sinn Féin have also submitted a motion to the Northern Irleand Assembly on the Gaza crisis. Sinn Fein Assembly Group Leader John O’Dowd MLA highlights the main point of the motion that ‘this Assembly condemns the appalling loss of life in Gaza and calls on those responsible for all attacks on civilians to cease.’
Speaking after the motion was submitted Mr O’Dowd said,
“Obviously the attention of the world is focused on the situation in Gaza. Numerous Sinn Féin leaders have highlighted our position over the past few days and called for an immediate ceasefire in the area. We hope that this motion will be a further expression of our concern and assist the world wide calls for an immediate ceasefire and end to hostilities.”
The full text of the Sinn Féin motion reads as follows;
‘This Assembly condemns the appalling loss of life in Gaza and calls on those responsible for all attacks on civilians to cease.
The loss of life and scale of injuries among the civilian population is totally unacceptable.
There is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Humanitarian aid organisations must have the freedom of movement to deliver their aid unhindered to the people of Gaza.
This Assembly calls for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
This Assembly further calls on the international community to mobilize to secure these objectives.
PICTURE COURTESY OF LENIN’S TOMB
You’ve still said nothing about John Rees, Lindsey German and Chris Nineham resigning from the SWP Central Committee… why not??
Comment by hello?? — 12 January, 2009 @ 6:39 pm
Here is some news from the Scottish Parliamnetary political front -
Scottish Government offers Gaza help
SNP News
08 Jan 2009
Here is the debate in the Scottish Parliament, notable for the involvement of SNP Sandra White and Lib Dem Hugh O’Donnell. Both MSPs who have already run the blocakade of Gaza on the ‘Dignity’. Also involved in the debate is the SNP’s Bashir Ahmad MSP, the only Scot of Asian descent currently in the Scottish Parliament -
Gaza (Humanitarian Disaster)
They Work For You
Scottish Parliament debates
08 Jan 2009
all the best SU!
Comment by joe90 kane — 12 January, 2009 @ 10:13 pm
Some more info regarding practical help for Occupied Palestine from Scotland -
Scottish Committee for the Universities of Palestine
Palestine Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel
04 Jan 2009
We call for a boycott of Israel and for ordinary people to participate in peaceful actions everywhere opposing actions of the Zionist state and express real support for the Palestinian people. We also demand that the UK government withdraw its ambassador in Tel Aviv immediately and cease diplomatic relations until Israel starts conforming to the norms of international relations. A country that spurns diplomacy as an option for resolving its disputes must not benefit from the legitimacy that diplomatic recognition confers.
Scottish Government offer medical aid to Gaza
SNP News
11 Jan 2009
Should the medical evacuation (’medevac’) of casualties be possible, some of Scotland’s hospitals may be able to receive patients needing specialist care.
[SNP MSP Sandra White said]“The approach of the Israeli military appears to be a collective punishment of all who live in Gaza there and is unacceptable.
Comment by joe90 kane — 12 January, 2009 @ 10:34 pm