275 European Politicians Call for Sanctions on Israel

international | anti-war / imperialism | press release Tuesday May 04, 2004 17:29 by Claudia Bradshaw - Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign supportpalestine at ireland dot com IPSC, PO BOX 9124, Dublin 1 + 353 87 6242286

Supported by 12,000 Irish people and 52 Irish Politicians

The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the European umbrella body for Palestine support groups, the ECCP, today handed the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs petitions signed by 275 European parliamentarians, 210 European NGOs and over 12000 Irish citizens, calling for trade sanctions against Israel unless human rights abuses in the Occupied Territories are ended.

The parliamentarians’ petition, signed by 52 Irish TDs, Senators and MEPs from all parties as well as independents, pointed out that the construction of the ‘separation wall’ through the West Bank is the culmination of years of human rights abuses.

Speaking at a press conference after handing in the petitions, Raymond Deane, IPSC Chairman, said “The EU-Israel Association Agreement grants Israel favourable trading terms with the EU. This agreement includes a clause, which says that it is based on respect for human rights and democratic principles. The building of the West Bank wall, which will dispossess and impoverish thousands of Palestinians, is the latest proof that the Israeli government does not respect these principles.

“If the EU’s commitment to human rights is to be taken seriously, it must act now on the Association Agreement. Otherwise the human rights clause in that agreement will remain a dead letter.”

Agnès Bertrand, coordinator of the ECCP, said “The Department of Foreign Affairs told us that consensus in the EU on sanctions is impossible and that sanctions would damage the EU’s ability to influence Israel. They said that the important thing was to re-establish dialogue between the two sides and to use the roadmap to bring about peace. But this is at odds with the reality on the ground. The Israeli government is destroying Palestinian society and has proved that it does not want the roadmap or dialogue. In the long-term the current situation is not sustainable for anyone. While the Palestinians suffer, hatred for Israel grows dangerously. Sanctions are the only option left.”

Maren Karlitzky, European coordinator for the Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign, said “The level of support for this petition shows that European people do not agree with their governments’ position. Ordinary people in Europe are completely opposed to the actions of the Israeli government and support the struggle of the Palestinian people.”

Caoimhe Butterly said “Comprehensive sanctions played a fundamental part in raising international awareness of the oppression suffered in Apartheid South Africa. We are calling for official endorsement of a boycott of Israeli goods, whose purchase now helps pay for the illegal and immoral occupation of the Palestine territories. The Irish government should take a much stronger stance in opposing the illegal actions of the Israeli government.”