WINNIPEG, JAN. 21, 2009 — Peace Alliance Winnipeg, the Canada Palestine Support Network and Canadian Muslims for Palestine will hold a rally at the corner of Water Avenue and Main Street (in front of the Canadian Grain Commission Building) on Saturday, at 2:00 p.m. The theme of the rally is “Freedom for Gaza – End the Occupation.”
“The shooting may have stopped, but the causes of the conflict are unresolved,” said rally spokesperson Bassam Hozaima. Hozaima said that Canada can play a positive role in establishing peace in the Middle East. Measures Canada should take include:
- Rescinding its shameful decision to vote against the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution, Jan.12, 2009, that condemned the “massive violations of human rights” by Israel in Gaza. Thirty three countries voted in favour of the resolution; Canada was the only country to vote against it.
- Calling for the opening of borders to Gaza
- Recognizing Hamas as the duly elected Government of Palestine
- Reinstating aid to the Palestinian people
- Recognizing and protecting the rights of the Palestinian people under international law
- Calling for the dismantling of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory
Hozaima said that these measures have already been agreed to by the United Nations and the international community. Unless these steps are taken then there will be no possibility of justice or peace for the people of Palestine.
Rally Details
Where: Canadian Grain Commission Building (Water Ave. and Main St.), Winnipeg
When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009
Time: 2:00 p.m.