PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Stop The Wall
by Pittsburgh Palistinian Solidarity Committee Thursday, Jul. 22, 2004 at 1:54 AM
pittsburghadvocate@yahoo.com

On Friday July 30th at the University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Union, scientist and Stop the Wall activist John Reese will present his first hand account of the impact of the Wall (www.stopthewall.com ). Join us for this very important political and educational event that will explore the effects of the Wall on the people, the environment and the economy. Mr. Reese will also address the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice and comments by international bodies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross.

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Tear Down This Wall!

It was less than 20 years ago that President Ronald Reagan’s infamous words rang out – “General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” When the Berlin Wall fell the WORLD celebrated and freedom triumphed. Today a new wall is being built in Israel. The Wall is a barrier and not a step towards peace. The World must find the moral fortitude to give the victims a voice and demand that construction of this barrier cease. Israelis and Palestinians face the same tough challenges that the East and West faced, surmounted, and overcame..

On Friday July 30th at the University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Union, scientist and Stop the Wall activist John Reese will present his first hand account of the impact of the Wall (http://www.stopthewall.com ). Join us for this very important political and educational event that will explore the effects of the Wall on the people, the environment and the economy. Mr. Reese will also address the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice and comments by international bodies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel's West Bank barrier is illegal and construction of it should be stopped immediately. The ruling said the barrier's construction was "tantamount to annexation" and impeded the Palestinian right to self-determination. Israel insists the barrier is needed to keep out West Bank militants and suicide bombers. However, as detailed by materials presented before the court, the Wall claims an additional 3% of Palestinian land, severs villages, and severely impacts the economy and environment. The advisory ruling will serve as a basis for future UN action.
BBC News detailed the International Court of Justice ruling as follows:
• The construction and its associated regime was contrary to international law;
• Israel is under obligation to cease construction and dismantle the wall;
• Israel should compensate owners of land seized to construct the barrier and those harmed by the barrier;
• All states are under obligation not to recognize the situation and ensure Israel's compliance with international law;
• The UN should consider what further action to take.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has condemned Israel's construction of a West Bank barrier as "contrary" to international law. The International Committee of the Red Cross, a neutral, Swiss-based organization, says that, where the barrier runs through occupied territory, thousands of Palestinians have been deprived of access to water, health care and education. It has also caused extensive damage to Palestinian land and property, the agency adds. "The problems affecting the Palestinian population in their daily lives clearly demonstrate that it [the wall] runs counter to Israel's obligation under [international humanitarian law] to ensure the humane treatment and well-being of the civilian population living under its occupation," it said in a statement.

The event will be held Friday, July 30, 2004 at 7PM at the William Pitt Union. This event is sponsored by the Palestinian Solidarity Committee. For more information please contact: pittsburghadvocate@yahoo.com

www.stopthewall.org

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Living with the Apartied Wall
by Pittsburgh Palistinian Solidarity Committee Thursday, Jul. 22, 2004 at 1:54 AM
pittsburghadvocate@yahoo.com

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www.stopthewall.org

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