ANC Statement on Week of Solidarity With the People of Palestine

Dr. Sami al-Arian is still imprisoned for crimes he did not commit. A Palestinian intellectual, al-Arian was acquitted on terrorism charges, yet remains incarcerated by US.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire Photo File

ANC STATEMENT ON WEEK OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF PALESTINE, 4-9 JUNE 2007

The African National Congress joins a broad range of other organisations in calling on all South Africans to join the international week of action in solidarity with the Palestinian people starting today (4 June 2007).

Members and leaders of the ANC throughout the country will this week add their voice to the global call for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory by Israel.

A number of protest activities will take place during the week of 4-10 June, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the occupation by Israel of the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.

The African National Congress will participate in a number of events organised to intensify the call for an end to this illegal occupation.

Protests in South Africa are being coordinated by the End the Occupation Campaign, comprising almost 20 civil society organisations, social movements, solidarity organisations, political parties and faith-based organisations.

Today, thirteen years after the end of apartheid, South Africans need to join hands and act in solidarity with the people of Palestine as they struggle for the realisation of their basic human rights. These include the right to self-determination and the return of the people of Palestine.

The ANC in Parliament has called for a debate on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Palestine and Israel, particularly the recent detention of members of the Palestinian legislature. On Thursday, Members of Parliament will participate in a picket in the Cape Town City Centre to highlight this campaign.

The ANC will be participating in various events in centres around the country. These will culminate, on Saturday 9 June, in a mass march in Cape Town and a mass protest meeting at the Johannesburg City Hall.

We call on all South Africans to come out and lend support to the people of Palestine. We believe that a better world is possible where people can live in peace and harmony under safe conditions.

Issued by the African National Congress
04 June 2007
For more information contact: Smuts Ngonyama on 082 994 2112