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Recent developments have created grave concerns to us in relation with
the Palestinian problem, which continues to be the key-issue for peace
in the Middle East.
By blatantly violating International Law, the Sharon government is
following the destructive course of solving the problem by force, as is
demonstrated by the assassinations of the Hamas leaders and the stepping
up of the threats against the life of the elected leader of the
Palestinian people President Yasser Arafat.
In addition to building the shameful wall, through Palestinian territory
on the West Bank, the same policy of denial of a negotiated settlement
on the basis of the UN resolutions is served by the so-called Sharon
plan for a partial withdrawal form the Palestinian occupied territories.
The aim of these Israeli policies is to be able to include large parts
of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank in a Greater Israel - now
as compensation for leaving the Gaza strip. This plan was endorsed by
President Bush, despite his previous commitments to a solution based on
the "road map", a US sponsored plan.
We, parties of the New European Left Forum, are totally opposed to the
above actions which perpetuate the present tragic situation and
reinforce the bloody circle of violence, resulting to the loss of more
innocent lives of both Palestinians and Israelis. Peace with justice and
common security is the only solution through implementation of the UN
resolutions and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State
alongside the state of Israel within mutually recognized and secure
borders.
Brussels,
30 apri12004
Stop and Demolish the Wall Immediately
a petition from the European Left Parties
The wall is a massive land-grab which attempts to create a Palestinian
reservation inside a Greater Israel. Peace can never be brought about by
such actions.
Israel claims the wall is a defensive measure, but only 11 % of the wall
follows the Green Line which marks the boundary between Israel and the
occupied West Bank - the rest cuts through Palestinian land. The Wall
will allow for Israel the control of about one-half of the West Bank.
Some of the most fertile land in Palestine as well as precious water
resources, will be turned into closed zones and inclaves between the
wall and the Green Line. According to the UN ""the damage _aused by the
destruction of land and property for the Wall's construction is
irreversible and undermines Palestinians' ability to ever recover even
if the political situation allows conditions to improve".
Under the pretext of security, Israel is continuing to carry out,
through the separation wall, it's longterm-policy of occupation,
discrimination and expulsion that amount to ethnic cleansing and to the
destruction of the material basis for the survival and development of
Palestinian society as a whole. A viable and sovereign Palestinian state
will become impossible, as is the aim of the Israeli government.
Left parties of Europe urge you to join us to exert your influence on
the State of Israel and all other related parties with the following
demands:
• Call for international intervention
Volunteers from human rights organisation, NGO's as well as political
parties must strengthen their efforts to monitor the situation in the
Occupied Territories and a UN peace-keeping force is urgently needed in
a steadily detonating situation in order to pressure Israel to withdraw
from all the 1967 occupied territories.
• International support for the non-violent activities against the wall
We urge all the political parties and NGO's for a full international
support of the nonviolent activities that are carried out of the human
rights and other peace movements both in Palestine and Israel, as well
as mass demonstrations and sit-ins by the citizens.
• Expose the real reason behind the wall-construction
The policy of the Israeli government of today is to create facts on the
ground, which destroy the possibilities of all kinds of peace process.
The two-state solution is becoming impossible, and the Palestinians are
forced to live under inhuman conditions. The only way of solving the
issue is to insist on the implementation of the UN Resolutions 194, 242
and 338.
• Boycott products from the Occupied territories
We urge citizens, volunteer organisations, labour unions, consumer
co-ops, political parties and businesses to boycott goods and products
from the illegal Israeli settlements. Buying and selling these products
constitutes active support for the illegal Israeli
occupation. It also violates international law. Imports and exports of
arms to and from Israel must be stopped.
• Rescind the EU's trade agreement with Israel
The EU has a preferential trade agreement with Israel, the
Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement. As a result, Israel enjoys the
right of free trade with the countries of the EU. The agreement contains
provisions that demand respect for democracy and human rights. As long
as Israel fails to honour life, property and freedom of movement, the
trade agreement should be rescinded.
Stop the wall - give peace a chance!
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