Posts Tagged ‘Cyprus’

Desmond Tutu On Cyprus

December 17, 2009

By Christiana Voniati, Countercurrents.org, Dec 16, 2009

Some call him Father; others call him “the voice of global consciousness”. As a child, he experienced the criminal nature of Apartheid in South Africa. Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the man who, along with Nelson Manedla, brought an end to the racist regime of his country, marking an immense victory of humanity. Small in stature, giant in spirit, Tutu has become a global symbol, not only for peace, but also for reconciliation, which “can only come about through forgiveness”. In the post-Apartheid era, Tutu chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which aimed at examining the circumstances under which the horrific crimes took place during the resist regime. The Commission had the authority of granting amnesty to those who gave a full confession concerning the politically motivated crimes they had committed. Transferring the wisdom of his struggle and experience, the Chairman of the Elders has recently visited half-occupied Cyprus, offering his moral support to the laborious negotiations for a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem. When asked why he chose to visit Cyprus, of all the other problematic areas of the planet that may need his support, Tutu answered: “I can smell the scent of peace here… I came to give it a little push, if I can”…

Continued >>

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Posted in Commentary, Human rights, imperialism, Peace Movement, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Protest boats dock in Gaza

August 24, 2008

By Ibrahim Barzak in Gaza City | The Independent, Sunday, 24 August 2008

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Two boats carrying dozens of international activists sailed into the Gaza Strip in defiance of an Israeli blockade yesterday. They were greeted by jubilant Palestinians after a two-day journey marred by communications troubles and rough seas. The 46 activists from 14 countries include Lauren Booth, sister-in-law of Tony Blair.

Since sailing from Cyprus early on Friday, the mission by the US-based Free Gaza Movement had been in question. Israel initially hinted it would prevent the vessels from reaching Gaza, but relented after determining the activists did not pose a security threat.

Israel imposed its blockade in June 2007 after Hamas seized power in Gaza. Israel has closed its trade crossings with the territory, while neighbouring Egypt sealed its passenger crossing, confining Gaza’s 1.4 million residents. Israel has allowed only basic supplies into Gaza, causing shortages of fuel, electricity and basic goods.

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‘Free Gaza’ boats set sail from Cyprus to Gaza

August 22, 2008

Uruknet.info

Saed Bannoura – IMEMC

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Peace activist and children on the deck of the ‘Free gaza’ boatThursday August 21, 2008Despite Israeli objections and attempts to intervene, Cyprian authorities have given the go-ahead for two boats filled with humanitarian supplies and 60 international activists to set sail tomorrow for the Gaza Strip. The boats took off at midnight Thursday morning.

The ‘Free Gaza’ movement has been collecting money and supplies since last year to allow the unprecedented blockade-breaking trip to move forward. As the sixty activists gathered in Cyprus two weeks ago, the Israeli government issued statements indicating that the Israeli navy would shoot the boats if they tried to bring the humanitarian aid to Gaza.

In addition, activists on the boat have reported receiving death threats for their work. Palestinian activist Osama Qashoo, who now lives in London, told Agence France Presse on Wednesday that over the last two weeks, he has received around twenty death threats on his phone, some of which have been traced to Israeli cell phones. He said his family in Qalqilia, in the West Bank, has also received death threats.

The aim of the group is to bring much-needed medicine, medical supplies and food to the civilian population of Gaza, which has been suffering under an Israeli-imposed siege for over a year.

Now, the boats are setting sail from Cyprus for the 30-hour trip to Gaza. Tom Nelson, the Portland, Oregon-based lawyer for the group, says they are simply trying to expose the truth about Israel’s targeting of civilians in Gaza. Israel has cited ‘security concerns’ in its announced plan to shoot the boats as they approach the Gaza shore.

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Posted in Human rights, Palestine, Zionist Israel | Leave a Comment »