ID :
49849
Tue, 03/10/2009 - 13:06
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/49849
The shortlink copeid
UK Lib Dems back imposing sanctions against Israel
London, March 9, IRNA -- Liberal Democrats have became the first major British political party to demand punitive action against the Israeli regime until it lifts its economic blockade of Gaza by calling for the imposition of economic sanctions.
Delegates from the UK's third largest party voted overwhelmingly at their Spring Conference in Harrogate, northern England, Sunday for the suspension of the EU's association agreement with Israel and for a UN investigation into alleged war crimes committed in Gaza.
Party members heard that, nearly two months after the end of Israel's latest slaughter of more than 1,500 Palestinians, the Zionist regime is still refusing to allow more than 15 items of goods through checkpoints to serve 1.5 million residents in Gaza.
Member of the European Parliament for northwest England Chris Davies, who has twice gained access to Gaza since the beginning of the year, told the conference that words of condemnation now had to be backed up by deeds.
"Enough is enough," Davies said. "The world is shocked by the treatment of Palestinians, and nations friendly to Israel must make clear through sanctions that a new approach based on fair play and justice is long overdue," he said.
He said that the EU policy of giving Israel all possible support in the hope of influencing its policy had proven a complete failure. Every call for an end to the economic blockade had been ignored by the Zionist regime.
The Israeli siege of Gaza, which has been going on for over three years, even includes banning writing paper for schools, water purification tablets, and building materials needed for repair and reconstruction of buildings destroyed by Israeli bombs amongst the thousands of other basic items.
Davies described Gaza as the world's largest prison camp, telling delegates at the conference that the Israeli regime was inflicting collective punishment on the entire Palestinian population.
"Hamas politicians are told they 'must recognize Israel before there can be negotiations, yet the incoming Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says that he will not recognize an independent Palestine. We must put an end to these dual standards', he said./end
Delegates from the UK's third largest party voted overwhelmingly at their Spring Conference in Harrogate, northern England, Sunday for the suspension of the EU's association agreement with Israel and for a UN investigation into alleged war crimes committed in Gaza.
Party members heard that, nearly two months after the end of Israel's latest slaughter of more than 1,500 Palestinians, the Zionist regime is still refusing to allow more than 15 items of goods through checkpoints to serve 1.5 million residents in Gaza.
Member of the European Parliament for northwest England Chris Davies, who has twice gained access to Gaza since the beginning of the year, told the conference that words of condemnation now had to be backed up by deeds.
"Enough is enough," Davies said. "The world is shocked by the treatment of Palestinians, and nations friendly to Israel must make clear through sanctions that a new approach based on fair play and justice is long overdue," he said.
He said that the EU policy of giving Israel all possible support in the hope of influencing its policy had proven a complete failure. Every call for an end to the economic blockade had been ignored by the Zionist regime.
The Israeli siege of Gaza, which has been going on for over three years, even includes banning writing paper for schools, water purification tablets, and building materials needed for repair and reconstruction of buildings destroyed by Israeli bombs amongst the thousands of other basic items.
Davies described Gaza as the world's largest prison camp, telling delegates at the conference that the Israeli regime was inflicting collective punishment on the entire Palestinian population.
"Hamas politicians are told they 'must recognize Israel before there can be negotiations, yet the incoming Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says that he will not recognize an independent Palestine. We must put an end to these dual standards', he said./end
