6 july 2013
Abu Qatada arrives at his home in northwest London on Nov. 13, 2012 after he was released from prison
Britain is expected to fly radical Islamist cleric Abu Qatada to Jordan on Sunday to face terror charges, ending a decade-long legal battle over the fate of the man once dubbed Osama bin Laden's right-hand-man in Europe.
London is deporting the 53-year-old Palestinian-born cleric after the two governments last month formally approved a treaty guaranteeing that evidence obtained by torture would not be used against him in any trial.
Prime Minister David Cameron has said he will be "one of the happiest people in Britain" after the departure of Abu Qatada, who has been in and out of British prisons while successive British governments have tried to expel him.
British officials refused to confirm any details, but local media reported he would be driven from the high security Belmarsh jail in south London and flown out at 2:00 a.m. Sunday from RAF Northolt airbase in west London.
His wife and five children are expected to remain in Britain, where he first came in 1993 seeking asylum.
A Jordanian official told AFP earlier this week that Abu Qatada was expected to leave Britain "in the early hours of Sunday" and arrive later that morning in Jordan.
"He will arrive in Jordan on a military plane, escorted by Jordanian and British guards," the official said.
The burly, beaded Abu Qatada has been fighting extradition to Jordan for years in British and European courts alike, but his lawyers unexpectedly said in May that he would return there once the fair trial treaty was ratified by the Jordanian parliament.
But officials will be wary of any further last-ditch legal attempts to stay on British soil. A British Home Office spokeswoman said: "Our focus is on seeing Abu Qatada on a plane to Jordan at the earliest opportunity."
Born Omar Mahmud Mohammed Otman in Bethlehem in the now Israeli-occupied West Bank, Abu Qatada is a Jordanian national because the town was part of Jordan when he was born.
He was condemned to death in 1999 for conspiracy to carry out terror attacks including on the American school in Amman but the sentence was immediately reduced to life imprisonment with hard labor.
In 2000, he was sentenced to 15 years for plotting to carry out terror attacks on tourists during the millennium celebrations in Jordan.
Videotapes of his sermons were allegedly found in the Hamburg flat of 9/11 ringleader Mohammed Atta while a Spanish judge once branded Abu Qatada Osama bin Laden's deputy in Europe, although Abu Qatada denies ever having met the slain Al-Qaeda leader.
Jordanian Salafist leader Mohammad Shalabi, who is better known as Abu Sayyaf, told AFP this week that his followers were hopeful he would be allowed to go home instead of returning to jail.
"God willing, he will be declared innocent after a fair and quick trial," Shalabi said.
Detained under anti-terror legislation in Britain in 2002 and held in custody or under tight bail conditions ever since, on the basis of intelligence assessments that he was a spiritual mentor for recruits to Al-Qaeda, Abu Qatada has never been prosecuted for any crime in Britain.
Britain began formal proceedings to deport him in 2005 in a legal fight that the government says has cost more than $2.7 million.
His lawyers took his case to European human rights judges who ruled earlier attempts to extradite him illegal on the grounds that evidence might be used against him that had been obtained by torture.
But while the case was bouncing in and out of the courts, British Home Secretary Theresa May was negotiating the so-called "Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters" with Jordan, which she announced in April.
The treaty was then ratified by the British and Jordanian parliaments.
It does not specifically refer to Abu Qatada's case but May said it should allay any remaining fears about torture-tainted evidence.
"If the court finds evidence that testimony is obtained under duress or as a result of torture or mistreatment, prosecution will not use the testimony and the court will not accept it," according to the treaty.
Britain is expected to fly radical Islamist cleric Abu Qatada to Jordan on Sunday to face terror charges, ending a decade-long legal battle over the fate of the man once dubbed Osama bin Laden's right-hand-man in Europe.
London is deporting the 53-year-old Palestinian-born cleric after the two governments last month formally approved a treaty guaranteeing that evidence obtained by torture would not be used against him in any trial.
Prime Minister David Cameron has said he will be "one of the happiest people in Britain" after the departure of Abu Qatada, who has been in and out of British prisons while successive British governments have tried to expel him.
British officials refused to confirm any details, but local media reported he would be driven from the high security Belmarsh jail in south London and flown out at 2:00 a.m. Sunday from RAF Northolt airbase in west London.
His wife and five children are expected to remain in Britain, where he first came in 1993 seeking asylum.
A Jordanian official told AFP earlier this week that Abu Qatada was expected to leave Britain "in the early hours of Sunday" and arrive later that morning in Jordan.
"He will arrive in Jordan on a military plane, escorted by Jordanian and British guards," the official said.
The burly, beaded Abu Qatada has been fighting extradition to Jordan for years in British and European courts alike, but his lawyers unexpectedly said in May that he would return there once the fair trial treaty was ratified by the Jordanian parliament.
But officials will be wary of any further last-ditch legal attempts to stay on British soil. A British Home Office spokeswoman said: "Our focus is on seeing Abu Qatada on a plane to Jordan at the earliest opportunity."
Born Omar Mahmud Mohammed Otman in Bethlehem in the now Israeli-occupied West Bank, Abu Qatada is a Jordanian national because the town was part of Jordan when he was born.
He was condemned to death in 1999 for conspiracy to carry out terror attacks including on the American school in Amman but the sentence was immediately reduced to life imprisonment with hard labor.
In 2000, he was sentenced to 15 years for plotting to carry out terror attacks on tourists during the millennium celebrations in Jordan.
Videotapes of his sermons were allegedly found in the Hamburg flat of 9/11 ringleader Mohammed Atta while a Spanish judge once branded Abu Qatada Osama bin Laden's deputy in Europe, although Abu Qatada denies ever having met the slain Al-Qaeda leader.
Jordanian Salafist leader Mohammad Shalabi, who is better known as Abu Sayyaf, told AFP this week that his followers were hopeful he would be allowed to go home instead of returning to jail.
"God willing, he will be declared innocent after a fair and quick trial," Shalabi said.
Detained under anti-terror legislation in Britain in 2002 and held in custody or under tight bail conditions ever since, on the basis of intelligence assessments that he was a spiritual mentor for recruits to Al-Qaeda, Abu Qatada has never been prosecuted for any crime in Britain.
Britain began formal proceedings to deport him in 2005 in a legal fight that the government says has cost more than $2.7 million.
His lawyers took his case to European human rights judges who ruled earlier attempts to extradite him illegal on the grounds that evidence might be used against him that had been obtained by torture.
But while the case was bouncing in and out of the courts, British Home Secretary Theresa May was negotiating the so-called "Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters" with Jordan, which she announced in April.
The treaty was then ratified by the British and Jordanian parliaments.
It does not specifically refer to Abu Qatada's case but May said it should allay any remaining fears about torture-tainted evidence.
"If the court finds evidence that testimony is obtained under duress or as a result of torture or mistreatment, prosecution will not use the testimony and the court will not accept it," according to the treaty.
3 july 2013
Palestinian firefighters try to extinguish a fire after an Israeli air strike on the building of Hamas' Ministry of Interior in Gaza City Nov. 16, 2012
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights on Tuesday condemned a decision by the United Kingdom to grant immunity to Israel's army chief while visiting the country.
Lt. General Benny Gantz, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, arrived in the UK of Tuesday, in the first visit of an Israeli army chief since 1998.
The UK government granted Gantz's trip the status of Special Mission, thus granting him immunity from the UK's criminal justice system, PCHR said.
Hickman & Rose Solicitors, who represent the victims of General Gantz's actions together with PCHR, said the decision "sends the dangerous message that political considerations will be placed ahead of the rule of law."
"Credible evidence exists indicating Mr. Gantz's involvement in the commission of war crimes: these allegations should be investigated and, if appropriate, Mr. Gantz should be prosecuted," PCHR said.
"He should not be pre-emptively granted immunity by the UK Government, circumventing normal criminal justice procedures."
Lt. General Gantz is suspected of involvement in the commission of war crimes, particularly with respect to his role in the November 2012 assault on the Gaza Strip, codenamed Operation Pillar of Defense, PCHR says.
A week earlier, the UK government also applied Special Mission status to the visit of Major General Doron Almog, a retired army official suspected of war crimes, granting him immunity from Britain's criminal justice system.
Mr. Almog canceled his scheduled UK visit at the last minute for unknown reasons.
In 2005, a British court issued an arrest warrant for Major General Doron Almog in relation to the destruction of 59 Palestinian homes in Rafah refugee camp in 2002 as part of a sustained policy of house demolitions in Gaza, PCHR said.
British police were preparing to arrest Almog on suspicion of war crimes after he and his wife flew to the United Kingdom in 2005, but he refused to leave his plane at Heathrow airport following a tip-off about the arrest warrant and was allowed to return to Israel.
The decision to grant immunity to both Israeli officials "sends the clear message that Israel can commit war crimes in the Gaza Strip with impunity," PCHR said.
There is a risk, the group said, that Special Missions will be used to protect allies of the government and undermine the "basic principle of equal application of the law and the UK’s international legal obligation to seek out and prosecute suspected war criminals."
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights on Tuesday condemned a decision by the United Kingdom to grant immunity to Israel's army chief while visiting the country.
Lt. General Benny Gantz, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, arrived in the UK of Tuesday, in the first visit of an Israeli army chief since 1998.
The UK government granted Gantz's trip the status of Special Mission, thus granting him immunity from the UK's criminal justice system, PCHR said.
Hickman & Rose Solicitors, who represent the victims of General Gantz's actions together with PCHR, said the decision "sends the dangerous message that political considerations will be placed ahead of the rule of law."
"Credible evidence exists indicating Mr. Gantz's involvement in the commission of war crimes: these allegations should be investigated and, if appropriate, Mr. Gantz should be prosecuted," PCHR said.
"He should not be pre-emptively granted immunity by the UK Government, circumventing normal criminal justice procedures."
Lt. General Gantz is suspected of involvement in the commission of war crimes, particularly with respect to his role in the November 2012 assault on the Gaza Strip, codenamed Operation Pillar of Defense, PCHR says.
A week earlier, the UK government also applied Special Mission status to the visit of Major General Doron Almog, a retired army official suspected of war crimes, granting him immunity from Britain's criminal justice system.
Mr. Almog canceled his scheduled UK visit at the last minute for unknown reasons.
In 2005, a British court issued an arrest warrant for Major General Doron Almog in relation to the destruction of 59 Palestinian homes in Rafah refugee camp in 2002 as part of a sustained policy of house demolitions in Gaza, PCHR said.
British police were preparing to arrest Almog on suspicion of war crimes after he and his wife flew to the United Kingdom in 2005, but he refused to leave his plane at Heathrow airport following a tip-off about the arrest warrant and was allowed to return to Israel.
The decision to grant immunity to both Israeli officials "sends the clear message that Israel can commit war crimes in the Gaza Strip with impunity," PCHR said.
There is a risk, the group said, that Special Missions will be used to protect allies of the government and undermine the "basic principle of equal application of the law and the UK’s international legal obligation to seek out and prosecute suspected war criminals."
Lt. General Benny Gantz, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrived to the United Kingdom today. This is the first visit of an IOF Chief of Staff to the United Kingdom since 1998.
Gantz is suspected of involvement in the commission of war crimes, particularly with respect to his role in the November 2012 attack on the Gaza Strip, codenamed Operation Pillar of Defense, Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) said in a press statement.
Prior to his visit, the UK Government awarded Gantz's trip the status of a Special Mission, thereby granting him immunity from the UK's criminal justice system. It is noted that Gantz would not ordinarily be entitled to immunity, and that the UK is under a binding legal obligation to search for and prosecute those suspected of committing war crimes, including before their own national courts, added the statement.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and Hickman & Rose Solicitors, who represent the victims of Gantz's actions, condemn the decision to grant immunity to a suspected war criminal. This decision sends the dangerous message that political considerations will be placed ahead of the rule of law.
Credible evidence exists indicating Gantz's involvement in the commission of war crimes: these allegations should be investigated and, if appropriate, Gantz should be prosecuted. He should not be pre-emptively granted immunity by the UK Government, circumventing normal criminal justice procedures.
It is noted that the decision to grant Gantz Special Mission immunity comes after a similar decision by the UK Government last week with respect to the anticipated visit of Major General Doron Almog (retired). Almog subsequently cancelled his visit for unknown reasons.
The granting of Special Mission immunity must be subject to public debate and increased legal scrutiny. There exists a clear risk – as demonstrated by the granting of immunity to Almog and Gantz – that Special Missions will be used to protect allies of the Government, undermining the basic principle of equal application of the law and the UK's international legal obligation to seek out and prosecute suspected war criminals, the statement concluded.
Gantz is suspected of involvement in the commission of war crimes, particularly with respect to his role in the November 2012 attack on the Gaza Strip, codenamed Operation Pillar of Defense, Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) said in a press statement.
Prior to his visit, the UK Government awarded Gantz's trip the status of a Special Mission, thereby granting him immunity from the UK's criminal justice system. It is noted that Gantz would not ordinarily be entitled to immunity, and that the UK is under a binding legal obligation to search for and prosecute those suspected of committing war crimes, including before their own national courts, added the statement.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and Hickman & Rose Solicitors, who represent the victims of Gantz's actions, condemn the decision to grant immunity to a suspected war criminal. This decision sends the dangerous message that political considerations will be placed ahead of the rule of law.
Credible evidence exists indicating Gantz's involvement in the commission of war crimes: these allegations should be investigated and, if appropriate, Gantz should be prosecuted. He should not be pre-emptively granted immunity by the UK Government, circumventing normal criminal justice procedures.
It is noted that the decision to grant Gantz Special Mission immunity comes after a similar decision by the UK Government last week with respect to the anticipated visit of Major General Doron Almog (retired). Almog subsequently cancelled his visit for unknown reasons.
The granting of Special Mission immunity must be subject to public debate and increased legal scrutiny. There exists a clear risk – as demonstrated by the granting of immunity to Almog and Gantz – that Special Missions will be used to protect allies of the Government, undermining the basic principle of equal application of the law and the UK's international legal obligation to seek out and prosecute suspected war criminals, the statement concluded.
2 july 2013
Lt. General Benny Gatz, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), is due to visit
the United Kingdom this week; it will be the first visit of an IDF Chief of Staff to the United Kingdom since 1998. Lt. General Gantz is suspected of involvement in the commission of war crimes, particularly with respect to his role in the November 2012 attack on the Gaza Strip, codenamed Operation Pillar of Defense.
Prior to his visit, the UK Government awarded Lt. General Gantz’s trip the status of a Special Mission, thereby granting him immunity from the UK’s criminal justice system. It is noted that Mr. Gantz would not ordinarily be entitled to immunity, and that the UK is under a binding legal obligation to search for and prosecute those suspected of committing war crimes, including before their own national courts.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and Hickman & Rose Solicitors, who represent the victims of Lt. General Gantz’s actions, condemn the decision to grant immunity to a suspected war criminal. This decision sends the dangerous message that political considerations will be placed ahead of the rule of law.
Credible evidence exists indicating Mr. Gantz’s involvement in the commission of war crimes: these allegations should be investigated and, if appropriate, Mr. Gantz should be prosecuted. He should not be pre-emptively granted immunity by the UK Government, circumventing normal criminal justice procedures.
It is noted that the decision to grant Mr. Gantz Special Mission immunity comes after a similar decision by the UK Government last week with respect to the anticipated visit of Major General Doron Almog (retired). Mr. Almog subsequently cancelled his visit for unknown reasons.
The granting of Special Mission immunity must be subject to public debate and increased legal scrutiny. There exists a clear risk – as demonstrated by the granting of immunity to Mr. Almog and Mr. Gantz – that Special Missions will be used to protect allies of the Government, undermining the basic principle of equal application of the law and the UK’s international legal obligation to seek out and prosecute suspected war criminals.
For further information please contact:
In the Gaza Strip:
* Raji Sourani, Director, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights: 00 (972) 599608811
In the United Kingdom:
* Kate Maynard, Partner, Hickman & Rose Solicitors: 00 (44) 7812974613
* Daniel Machover, Partner, Hickman & Rose Solicitors: 00 (44) 7773341096
the United Kingdom this week; it will be the first visit of an IDF Chief of Staff to the United Kingdom since 1998. Lt. General Gantz is suspected of involvement in the commission of war crimes, particularly with respect to his role in the November 2012 attack on the Gaza Strip, codenamed Operation Pillar of Defense.
Prior to his visit, the UK Government awarded Lt. General Gantz’s trip the status of a Special Mission, thereby granting him immunity from the UK’s criminal justice system. It is noted that Mr. Gantz would not ordinarily be entitled to immunity, and that the UK is under a binding legal obligation to search for and prosecute those suspected of committing war crimes, including before their own national courts.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and Hickman & Rose Solicitors, who represent the victims of Lt. General Gantz’s actions, condemn the decision to grant immunity to a suspected war criminal. This decision sends the dangerous message that political considerations will be placed ahead of the rule of law.
Credible evidence exists indicating Mr. Gantz’s involvement in the commission of war crimes: these allegations should be investigated and, if appropriate, Mr. Gantz should be prosecuted. He should not be pre-emptively granted immunity by the UK Government, circumventing normal criminal justice procedures.
It is noted that the decision to grant Mr. Gantz Special Mission immunity comes after a similar decision by the UK Government last week with respect to the anticipated visit of Major General Doron Almog (retired). Mr. Almog subsequently cancelled his visit for unknown reasons.
The granting of Special Mission immunity must be subject to public debate and increased legal scrutiny. There exists a clear risk – as demonstrated by the granting of immunity to Mr. Almog and Mr. Gantz – that Special Missions will be used to protect allies of the Government, undermining the basic principle of equal application of the law and the UK’s international legal obligation to seek out and prosecute suspected war criminals.
For further information please contact:
In the Gaza Strip:
* Raji Sourani, Director, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights: 00 (972) 599608811
In the United Kingdom:
* Kate Maynard, Partner, Hickman & Rose Solicitors: 00 (44) 7812974613
* Daniel Machover, Partner, Hickman & Rose Solicitors: 00 (44) 7773341096
On 26 June 2013, suspected Israeli war criminal Major General Doron Almog (retired) was scheduled to visit the United Kingdom to meet with the ‘UK Task Force on Issues Relating to Arab Citizens of Israel’, a non-governmental organisation. In advance of this visit, the UK Government awarded Mr. Almog’s visit the status of a Special Mission, thereby granting him immunity from the criminal jurisdiction of the United Kingdom.
However, Mr Almog made a last minute cancellation of his planned visit to the UK last week.
The lawyers for the victims of his suspected war crimes last week challenged the decision to grant immunity to Mr Almog, given that it was made by the Government despite the existence of a warrant for Mr Almog’s arrest on war crimes charges. No answers have yet been received to the questions raised with the Government’s legal advisers.
Background
On 10 September 2005, a British court issued a warrant for Mr. Almog’s arrest in relation to the destruction of 59 houses in Rafah refugee camp on 10 January 2002, which formed part of a sustained policy of house demolitions in the Gaza Strip. The police stood ready to arrest Mr Almog on 11 September 2005 on suspicion of that war crime and three other allegations relating to his period as commander of the Gaza Strip (2000-2004). Mr Almog escaped arrest after refusing to leave his aeroplane at Heathrow airport following a tip off, and he was allowed to return to Israel.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and Hickman & Rose solicitors, who represent the victims of Mr Almog’s actions, condemn the UK Government’s recent decision to grant Mr Almog immunity in light of the above events of September 2005.
Special mission status – wrong in this case and generally open to abuse
The UK Government’s decision exhibits a clear disregard for the rule of law, and sends the unequivocal message that suspected Israeli war criminals will not be held to account,even if a British court has issued a warrant for their arrest. This sends a dangerous message regarding the UK’s commitment to the rule of international law, and the State’s binding international obligations under Articles 1 and 146 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, 1949.
Significantly, the decision to grant immunity also sends the clear message that Israel can commit war crimes in the Gaza Strip with impunity. In the absence of the rule of law, the 1.7 million civilians of the Gaza Strip are condemned to a future of violence, denied the protections and safeguards of universal human rights and international humanitarian law.
On the available information, the purpose of Mr Almog’s (now aborted) visit – to meet with a non-governmental organisation – in no way conforms with the criteria necessary to qualify as a ‘special mission’. These matters and others are being taken up with the UK Government.
Indeed, the concern of those who seek the equal application of the rule of law to all persons suspected of serious international crimes is that decisions on granting special immunity status risk running contrary to basic principles of equal application of the law and of the international legal obligations of seeking out and prosecuting suspected war criminals.
These decisions need public debate and increased legal scrutiny to avoid the status of special mission falling into disrepute as a vehicle to protect friends of a given government from the due process of the criminal law for alleged serious human rights and humanitarian law abuses.
For further information please contact:
In the Gaza Strip:
• Raji Sourani, Director, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights: 00 (972) 599608811
In the United Kingdom:
• Kate Maynard, Partner, Hickman & Rose Solicitors: 00 (44) 7812974613
• Daniel Machover, Partner, Hickman & Rose Solicitors: 00 (44) 7773341096
However, Mr Almog made a last minute cancellation of his planned visit to the UK last week.
The lawyers for the victims of his suspected war crimes last week challenged the decision to grant immunity to Mr Almog, given that it was made by the Government despite the existence of a warrant for Mr Almog’s arrest on war crimes charges. No answers have yet been received to the questions raised with the Government’s legal advisers.
Background
On 10 September 2005, a British court issued a warrant for Mr. Almog’s arrest in relation to the destruction of 59 houses in Rafah refugee camp on 10 January 2002, which formed part of a sustained policy of house demolitions in the Gaza Strip. The police stood ready to arrest Mr Almog on 11 September 2005 on suspicion of that war crime and three other allegations relating to his period as commander of the Gaza Strip (2000-2004). Mr Almog escaped arrest after refusing to leave his aeroplane at Heathrow airport following a tip off, and he was allowed to return to Israel.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and Hickman & Rose solicitors, who represent the victims of Mr Almog’s actions, condemn the UK Government’s recent decision to grant Mr Almog immunity in light of the above events of September 2005.
Special mission status – wrong in this case and generally open to abuse
The UK Government’s decision exhibits a clear disregard for the rule of law, and sends the unequivocal message that suspected Israeli war criminals will not be held to account,even if a British court has issued a warrant for their arrest. This sends a dangerous message regarding the UK’s commitment to the rule of international law, and the State’s binding international obligations under Articles 1 and 146 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, 1949.
Significantly, the decision to grant immunity also sends the clear message that Israel can commit war crimes in the Gaza Strip with impunity. In the absence of the rule of law, the 1.7 million civilians of the Gaza Strip are condemned to a future of violence, denied the protections and safeguards of universal human rights and international humanitarian law.
On the available information, the purpose of Mr Almog’s (now aborted) visit – to meet with a non-governmental organisation – in no way conforms with the criteria necessary to qualify as a ‘special mission’. These matters and others are being taken up with the UK Government.
Indeed, the concern of those who seek the equal application of the rule of law to all persons suspected of serious international crimes is that decisions on granting special immunity status risk running contrary to basic principles of equal application of the law and of the international legal obligations of seeking out and prosecuting suspected war criminals.
These decisions need public debate and increased legal scrutiny to avoid the status of special mission falling into disrepute as a vehicle to protect friends of a given government from the due process of the criminal law for alleged serious human rights and humanitarian law abuses.
For further information please contact:
In the Gaza Strip:
• Raji Sourani, Director, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights: 00 (972) 599608811
In the United Kingdom:
• Kate Maynard, Partner, Hickman & Rose Solicitors: 00 (44) 7812974613
• Daniel Machover, Partner, Hickman & Rose Solicitors: 00 (44) 7773341096
1 july 2013
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) attends a meeting with UK Prime Minister David Cameron
Germany Federal Prosecutor's Office says it is preparing to bring charges against US and British intelligence agencies over large-scale spying operations on EU offices, a new report says.
The British daily The Independent reported on Sunday that Germany’s Office of the Federal Prosecutor is preparing charges following “fresh allegations that the [US and UK secret] services spied far more extensively than thought on German phone and internet traffic.”
On Monday, Germany announced that it was summoning the US ambassador over the breach in trust.
If the allegations are true, the massive surveillance program would demonstrate “unacceptable Cold War style behavior toward Berlin,” said German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In another development, the German news weekly Der Spiegel accused the US National Security Agency (NSA) of bugging EU offices in Washington, New York and Brussels.
The magazine said US spy agencies monitor about half a billion telephone calls, emails and mobile phone text messages in Germany every month, making it the most targeted state in the European Union.
Canada, Australia, Britain and New Zealand were not included in NSA surveillance operations but Germany was open for “spy attacks,” Der Spiegel added.
Reports last week revealed that the British spy agencies along with the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) had tapped German phone and internet traffic, sharing its data with the NSA.
Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande said on Monday that his country will no longer negotiate with the United States in any area without guarantees that spying has ended.
"There can be no negotiations or transactions in all areas until we have obtained these guarantees, for France but also for all of the European Union, for all partners of the United States," Hollande noted.
The accusations against US and UK intelligence services came after secret US documents were released by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.
The American whistleblower has assured that the information he obtained about US surveillance programs will continue to be published.
In the beginning of June, Snowden leaked documents that revealed the NSA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have been secretly gathering information of American citizens and other people all around the world.
Germany Federal Prosecutor's Office says it is preparing to bring charges against US and British intelligence agencies over large-scale spying operations on EU offices, a new report says.
The British daily The Independent reported on Sunday that Germany’s Office of the Federal Prosecutor is preparing charges following “fresh allegations that the [US and UK secret] services spied far more extensively than thought on German phone and internet traffic.”
On Monday, Germany announced that it was summoning the US ambassador over the breach in trust.
If the allegations are true, the massive surveillance program would demonstrate “unacceptable Cold War style behavior toward Berlin,” said German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In another development, the German news weekly Der Spiegel accused the US National Security Agency (NSA) of bugging EU offices in Washington, New York and Brussels.
The magazine said US spy agencies monitor about half a billion telephone calls, emails and mobile phone text messages in Germany every month, making it the most targeted state in the European Union.
Canada, Australia, Britain and New Zealand were not included in NSA surveillance operations but Germany was open for “spy attacks,” Der Spiegel added.
Reports last week revealed that the British spy agencies along with the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) had tapped German phone and internet traffic, sharing its data with the NSA.
Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande said on Monday that his country will no longer negotiate with the United States in any area without guarantees that spying has ended.
"There can be no negotiations or transactions in all areas until we have obtained these guarantees, for France but also for all of the European Union, for all partners of the United States," Hollande noted.
The accusations against US and UK intelligence services came after secret US documents were released by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.
The American whistleblower has assured that the information he obtained about US surveillance programs will continue to be published.
In the beginning of June, Snowden leaked documents that revealed the NSA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have been secretly gathering information of American citizens and other people all around the world.
28 june 2013
The Truthseeker: Obama's arrest, Bush's trial (E18)
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"We'll get Bush in the US" the world's top war crimes prosecutor tells The Truthseeker after Dubya's deputies warn him against travel, lawyers file for Obama's arrest tomorrow when he hits South Africa, huge secret wars in America's name being masked from the folks funding them.
Seek truth from facts with Yousha Tayob of the Muslim Lawyers Association, leading war crimes prosecutor Francis Boyle, Senior Staff Attorney Katherine Gallagher of New York's Center for Constitutional Rights which stopped Bush's first trip after his waterboarding admission, Marjorie Cohn, author of Cowboy Republic: Six Ways the Bush Gang Has Defied the Law, and former NSA intelligence officer Scott Rickard. |
11 june 2013
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Six leading pro-Palestinian organisations have written to the BBC's Director General asking for answers over the pulling of a documentary which claims that the mass Jewish exodus from Jerusalem in 70 AD may never have happened, Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) said in a press release.
The documentary, Jerusalem: An Archaeological Mystery Story, was due to be shown on BBC Four, but disappeared from the schedule at the last minute, leaving viewers confused. The film's director, Ilan Ziv, has accused the BBC of bowing to political pressure in its decision to suddenly remove a film which it had been promoting widely. The supposed exile of nearly 2,000 years ago is used by Zionists to justify what they refer to as the Jewish 'right of return' to Palestine, and to colonise Palestinian land. Publicising the programme, the BBC's Radio Times magazine wrote: "... evidence revealed [in the programme], suggesting that the Jewish exile from Jerusalem in AD 70 may never have actually happened, has...severe ramifications for relations in the region." Jerusalem: An Archaeological Mystery Story was due to be shown on 25 April as part of BBC Four's series on archaeology. After failing to receive any reason since then for its non-broadcast, other than a response from the Complaints Department that it "did not fit the season editorially", the six organisations have now written directly to Lord Hall, the BBC's Director General. The organisations are: Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Middle East Monitor, British Committee for Universities for Palestine, Architects and Planners for Justice in Palestine, Friends of Al Aqsa and Jews for Justice for Palestinians. Sarah Colborne, Director of Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said: "We find it deeply disturbing that, despite a number of queries, the BBC has not seen fit to publicly answer Ilan Ziv's accusations of political pressure being a factor in the disappearance of this documentary from the BBC Four schedule. The BBC is funded by licence-fee payers and has a duty to be open and honest about its decisions, but in this case there has been, and continues to be, a total lack of transparency."" Text of the open letter to the BBC Director General: |
Dear Lord Hall
It has now been more than a month since the BBC prevented the documentary Jerusalem: An Archaeological Mystery Story from being broadcast, and it has yet to provide a credible explanation for this decision.
Individuals who have written to the BBC have been told that the documentary did not fit 'editorially' with BBC Four's season on archaeology, but have not been told in what way it did not fit, or why this was not noticed by BBC producers until almost the moment it was due to air.
With no comprehensible reasons being offered by the BBC, licence-fee payers are left with the words of the documentary-maker, Ilan Ziv, who, in his blog detailing the BBC's reasoning over pulling his film, describes 'a mixture of incompetence, political naivete [and] conscious or subconscious political pressure'.
It is the potential of political pressure, whether conscious or subconscious, being involved in the pulling of this documentary that most concerns us. If any has been applied, and succumbed to, then the BBC's commitment to impartiality has been compromised.
We write to ask if a reason can be provided for removing Jerusalem from the BBC's schedule that can disprove the reasons given by Mr Ziv.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Colborne, Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Daud Abdullah, Middle East Monitor
Jonathan Rosenhead, British Committee for Universities for Palestine
Abe Hayeem, Architects and Planners for Justice in Palestine
Ismail Patel, Friends of Al Aqsa
Diana Neslen, Jews for Justice for Palestinians
It has now been more than a month since the BBC prevented the documentary Jerusalem: An Archaeological Mystery Story from being broadcast, and it has yet to provide a credible explanation for this decision.
Individuals who have written to the BBC have been told that the documentary did not fit 'editorially' with BBC Four's season on archaeology, but have not been told in what way it did not fit, or why this was not noticed by BBC producers until almost the moment it was due to air.
With no comprehensible reasons being offered by the BBC, licence-fee payers are left with the words of the documentary-maker, Ilan Ziv, who, in his blog detailing the BBC's reasoning over pulling his film, describes 'a mixture of incompetence, political naivete [and] conscious or subconscious political pressure'.
It is the potential of political pressure, whether conscious or subconscious, being involved in the pulling of this documentary that most concerns us. If any has been applied, and succumbed to, then the BBC's commitment to impartiality has been compromised.
We write to ask if a reason can be provided for removing Jerusalem from the BBC's schedule that can disprove the reasons given by Mr Ziv.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Colborne, Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Daud Abdullah, Middle East Monitor
Jonathan Rosenhead, British Committee for Universities for Palestine
Abe Hayeem, Architects and Planners for Justice in Palestine
Ismail Patel, Friends of Al Aqsa
Diana Neslen, Jews for Justice for Palestinians
29 may 2013
The Palestinian forum in Britain concluded the ninth annual Palestine Day at its headquarters in London in the presence of Palestinian and British political and human rights figures. In his speech during the event, Hafez Al-Karmi, head of the forum, said that this annual gathering emphasizes the Palestinians' belonging to their homeland and identity, and their adherence to their national rights, especially the right of return to their homes.
Karmi also said that the holding of Palestine Day under the rubric "freedom for the prisoners… freedom for Jerusalem" reflected the concern of the Palestinian community in Britain over the issue of the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and the Jewish violations in Jerusalem.
During the day, the audience listened to a recorded speech by ex-detainee Mousa Dudin, who was exiled to Qatar by the Israeli regime.
Dudin talked about the suffering of the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and appealed for more international and Arab support for their cause.
Karmi also said that the holding of Palestine Day under the rubric "freedom for the prisoners… freedom for Jerusalem" reflected the concern of the Palestinian community in Britain over the issue of the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and the Jewish violations in Jerusalem.
During the day, the audience listened to a recorded speech by ex-detainee Mousa Dudin, who was exiled to Qatar by the Israeli regime.
Dudin talked about the suffering of the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and appealed for more international and Arab support for their cause.
25 may 2013
The Palestinian forum in Britain said it finished its preparations to organize the ninth annual Palestine Day on 26 and 27 of the current month in Manchester and London respectively. Head of the forum Hafed Al-Karmi said this event is part of the annual activities held by the forum to commemorate the Nakba anniversary and to renew the allegiance to the homeland and the Palestinian identity.
Karmi added that the event will be held under the slogan "freedom for the Palestinian political prisoners… freedom for Jerusalem" to reflect the concern felt by the Palestinian communities in diaspora towards the issue of the prisoners in Israeli jails as well as their anger against Israel's crimes in occupied Jerusalem.
For his part, chief supervisor of the event Adnan Humaydan said that Palestine Day will include this year cultural and folkloric activities, and a philanthropic bazaar.
Humaydan noted that the forum will grant some British figures and politicians honorary shields in gratitude for their outstanding efforts in support of the Palestinian cause.
Karmi added that the event will be held under the slogan "freedom for the Palestinian political prisoners… freedom for Jerusalem" to reflect the concern felt by the Palestinian communities in diaspora towards the issue of the prisoners in Israeli jails as well as their anger against Israel's crimes in occupied Jerusalem.
For his part, chief supervisor of the event Adnan Humaydan said that Palestine Day will include this year cultural and folkloric activities, and a philanthropic bazaar.
Humaydan noted that the forum will grant some British figures and politicians honorary shields in gratitude for their outstanding efforts in support of the Palestinian cause.
24 may 2013
Renowned American academic, Noam Chomsky, says US President Barack Obama, his predecessor George W. Bush, along with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair should face trial for the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the ensuing turmoil in the Arab state.
“Bush and Blair ought to be up there [at the International Criminal Court]. There is no recent crime worse than the invasion of Iraq. Obama’s got to be there for the terror war,” Chomsky told Russia Today on Thursday.
In 2003, the US and Britain invaded Iraq in a blatant violation of international law and under the pretext of finding weapons of mass destruction. But no such weapons were ever found in Iraq.
More than one million Iraqis were killed as the result of the US-led invasion and subsequent occupation of the country, according to the California-based investigative organization, Project Censored.
Chomsky, a prominent critic of the US foreign policy, said the invasion of Iraq is a “supreme international crime,” adding that the US and its allies were responsible for bomb attacks across the Arab country.
“The US and British invasion of Iraq was a textbook example of aggression, no questions about it. Which means that we were responsible for all the evil that follows like the bombings. Serious conflict arose, [and] it spread all over the region. In fact the region is being torn to shreds by this conflict. That is part of the evil that follows,” Chomsky stated.
He went on to slam Washington for its growing use of killer drones in a number of countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia, describing it as a “massive terror campaign.”
“A drone strike was a terror weapon; we do not talk about it that way. It is; just imagine you are walking down the street and you do not know whether in five minutes there is going to be an explosion across the street from some place up in the sky that you cannot see,” said Chomsky.
“Somebody will be killed, and whoever is around will be killed, maybe you will be injured if you are there. That is a terror weapon. It terrorizes villages, regions, huge areas. In fact it’s the most massive terror campaign going on by a long shot,” he added.
Washington uses killer drones in several countries, claiming that they target “terrorists.” According to witnesses, however, the attacks have mostly led to massive civilian casualties.
“Bush and Blair ought to be up there [at the International Criminal Court]. There is no recent crime worse than the invasion of Iraq. Obama’s got to be there for the terror war,” Chomsky told Russia Today on Thursday.
In 2003, the US and Britain invaded Iraq in a blatant violation of international law and under the pretext of finding weapons of mass destruction. But no such weapons were ever found in Iraq.
More than one million Iraqis were killed as the result of the US-led invasion and subsequent occupation of the country, according to the California-based investigative organization, Project Censored.
Chomsky, a prominent critic of the US foreign policy, said the invasion of Iraq is a “supreme international crime,” adding that the US and its allies were responsible for bomb attacks across the Arab country.
“The US and British invasion of Iraq was a textbook example of aggression, no questions about it. Which means that we were responsible for all the evil that follows like the bombings. Serious conflict arose, [and] it spread all over the region. In fact the region is being torn to shreds by this conflict. That is part of the evil that follows,” Chomsky stated.
He went on to slam Washington for its growing use of killer drones in a number of countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia, describing it as a “massive terror campaign.”
“A drone strike was a terror weapon; we do not talk about it that way. It is; just imagine you are walking down the street and you do not know whether in five minutes there is going to be an explosion across the street from some place up in the sky that you cannot see,” said Chomsky.
“Somebody will be killed, and whoever is around will be killed, maybe you will be injured if you are there. That is a terror weapon. It terrorizes villages, regions, huge areas. In fact it’s the most massive terror campaign going on by a long shot,” he added.
Washington uses killer drones in several countries, claiming that they target “terrorists.” According to witnesses, however, the attacks have mostly led to massive civilian casualties.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague MP visited the Occupied Palestinian Territories as part of a regional visit that included Jordan and Israel, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said in a press release. The visit was aimed at supporting Secretary of State Kerry's efforts to re-launch the Middle East peace process and at strengthening the relationship between the British and Palestinian peoples.
The Foreign Secretary met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his office in Ramallah. They discussed the un-sustainability of the situation on the ground in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, and explored in detail the prospects for a return to serious, credible peace negotiations with Israel to achieve a secure Israel living alongside a viable Palestinian state.
Earlier that day, the Foreign Secretary visited a lookout point overseeing the area known as "E1" where he was briefed on the strategic impact of Israeli settlement construction on the viability of the two-state solution.
Hague also visited Khan Al Ahmar, a Bedouin community located in the "E1" area, where he met with its representatives. He heard from them about the impact of the Israeli occupation on vulnerable Palestinian communities, including the threat of house demolition and the issue of settler violence.
Following his meetings, Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "I have said many times in recent months that there is no more urgent global priority than the search for the Middle East Peace. The situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, as I have seen for myself today: the expansion of settlements, which are illegal under international law, continues to be a grave concern. Listening to the personal stories of the people of Khan Al Ahmar brought home to me the vulnerability of Palestinian communities and the urgency of making progress."
He continued, "In my meeting today with President Abbas I stressed my support for his and Secretary Kerry's efforts to re-launch the peace process. I set out Britain's vision, which is well known: a two state solution, a secure and universally recognized Israel living alongside a viable State of Palestine, based on 1967 borders plus agreed land swaps, with Jerusalem as a shared capital. There must be a just, fair and agreed resolution of the refugee question. Gaza must be an integral part of the Palestinian state."
Courage and bold leadership on all sides are now needed. Britain is ready to play its part."
The Foreign Secretary met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his office in Ramallah. They discussed the un-sustainability of the situation on the ground in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, and explored in detail the prospects for a return to serious, credible peace negotiations with Israel to achieve a secure Israel living alongside a viable Palestinian state.
Earlier that day, the Foreign Secretary visited a lookout point overseeing the area known as "E1" where he was briefed on the strategic impact of Israeli settlement construction on the viability of the two-state solution.
Hague also visited Khan Al Ahmar, a Bedouin community located in the "E1" area, where he met with its representatives. He heard from them about the impact of the Israeli occupation on vulnerable Palestinian communities, including the threat of house demolition and the issue of settler violence.
Following his meetings, Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "I have said many times in recent months that there is no more urgent global priority than the search for the Middle East Peace. The situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, as I have seen for myself today: the expansion of settlements, which are illegal under international law, continues to be a grave concern. Listening to the personal stories of the people of Khan Al Ahmar brought home to me the vulnerability of Palestinian communities and the urgency of making progress."
He continued, "In my meeting today with President Abbas I stressed my support for his and Secretary Kerry's efforts to re-launch the peace process. I set out Britain's vision, which is well known: a two state solution, a secure and universally recognized Israel living alongside a viable State of Palestine, based on 1967 borders plus agreed land swaps, with Jerusalem as a shared capital. There must be a just, fair and agreed resolution of the refugee question. Gaza must be an integral part of the Palestinian state."
Courage and bold leadership on all sides are now needed. Britain is ready to play its part."
in an interview with Sky News, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said that Israel has lost some support in Britain and in other European countries due to its settlement construction policy. Hague, who is currently visiting Israel, made his comments in response to an interview in which Israeli Minister Yuval Steinitz told the Daily Telegraph that perceptions of Israel were more negative in Britain than in other countries.
Hague said that Britain strongly disagrees with "settlements on occupied land" and added that "We want to see both Israelis and Palestinians really commit themselves to the peace process while there is still a chance of a two-state solution." said Yediot Ahranot Israeli newspaper.
Hague said, Israel will struggle to maintain the two characteristics it holds dearest - that it remains both a Jewish state and a democracy.
Hague said that Britain strongly disagrees with "settlements on occupied land" and added that "We want to see both Israelis and Palestinians really commit themselves to the peace process while there is still a chance of a two-state solution." said Yediot Ahranot Israeli newspaper.
Hague said, Israel will struggle to maintain the two characteristics it holds dearest - that it remains both a Jewish state and a democracy.
by The Jerusalem Post
Israel placed near the bottom of a BBC poll released Thursday ranking the world's most positively viewed countries.
Some 26,000 people from 25 countries around the world were asked if they viewed a list of 16 countries and the European Union as having a "mainly positive" or "mainly negative" influence in the world.
Germany topped the list with 59 percent of respondents viewing it positively, followed by Canada (55%), the UK (55%) and Japan (51%). Japan topped the list last year with a 58% positive influence rating.
Only North Korea, Pakistan and Iran had lower positivity scores than Israel. Twenty-one percent of respondents viewed Israel's influence as mainly positive, while 52% saw the Jewish State's influence as mainly negative. Israel's positivity ranking was identical to the score it received in the 2012 BBC poll.
Just 15% of respondents considered Iran's influence as mainly positive, while 59% said the Islamic Republic's influence was mainly negative.
France finished fifth in positive influence (49%), followed by the EU (49%), Brazil (46%), US (45%), China (42%), South Korea (36%), South Africa (35%), India (34%) and Russia (30%).
Israel placed near the bottom of a BBC poll released Thursday ranking the world's most positively viewed countries.
Some 26,000 people from 25 countries around the world were asked if they viewed a list of 16 countries and the European Union as having a "mainly positive" or "mainly negative" influence in the world.
Germany topped the list with 59 percent of respondents viewing it positively, followed by Canada (55%), the UK (55%) and Japan (51%). Japan topped the list last year with a 58% positive influence rating.
Only North Korea, Pakistan and Iran had lower positivity scores than Israel. Twenty-one percent of respondents viewed Israel's influence as mainly positive, while 52% saw the Jewish State's influence as mainly negative. Israel's positivity ranking was identical to the score it received in the 2012 BBC poll.
Just 15% of respondents considered Iran's influence as mainly positive, while 59% said the Islamic Republic's influence was mainly negative.
France finished fifth in positive influence (49%), followed by the EU (49%), Brazil (46%), US (45%), China (42%), South Korea (36%), South Africa (35%), India (34%) and Russia (30%).
27 apr 2013
1948 British report: Arabs will lose war
Israeli soldiers in 1948
The Guardian publishes declassified documents shedding light on struggle for State of Israel. 'The Jewish public in Israel supports terrorism,' 1946 document says
Even prior to withdrawing its troops from Israel in 1948, the British government realized the partition of the country and the establishment of the State of Israel would result in a war - that the Arabs would lose, according to declassified UK government documents published Friday by The Guardian. Another document from 1946 states that "the Jewish public in Israel supports terrorism, in light of British policy."
According to the British newspaper, various Colonial Office reports paint a picture of increasing "terrorist acts" by the Jews, and the external pressure from the US, the UN and the Zionist movement to divide the country. In addition, the documents criticize British Mandate officials who were concerned with "how to allocate between them two Rolls-Royces and a Daimler" during the tense times.
Colonial Secretary George Hall was told "The Jewish public … endorsed the attitude of its leaders that terrorism is a natural consequence of the general policy of His Majesty's Government." This included the illegal infiltration of Jews into Palestine. Another document quoted a British official who, in a report to London in October 1946, more than a year before the UN vote over the partition plan, said that "Arab leaders appear to be still disposed to defer active opposition so long as a chance of a political decision acceptable to Arab interests exists."
"There is a real danger lest any further Jewish provocation may result in isolated acts of retaliation spreading inevitably to wider Arab-Jewish clashes," the report read.
Papers also reveal that moderate Jewish leaders were afraid to be seen as "Quislings," after the Norwegian Nazi-collaborating leader whose name became synonymous with treason. Pressure by the Zionist lobby in America is cited as another instigating factor for the Jews.
A report written in early 1948, as the war for Israel broke out, read "Jewish victories … have reduced Arab morale to zero and, following the cowardly example of their inept leaders, they are fleeing from the mixed areas in their thousands. It is now obvious that the only hope of regaining their position lies in the regular armies of the Arab states."
The Guardian described the papers a having "a remarkable contemporary resonance." Thus, according to the British newspaper, a wartime report intended for British intelligence officials said Arab nationalism had a "double nature … a rational constructive movement receptive of western influence and help and an emotional movement of revolt against the west."
The report concluded by saying "The conflict between these two tendencies will be decided in the present generation. The first aim of the policy of the western powers must be to prevent the triumph of the second tendency."
The Guardian publishes declassified documents shedding light on struggle for State of Israel. 'The Jewish public in Israel supports terrorism,' 1946 document says
Even prior to withdrawing its troops from Israel in 1948, the British government realized the partition of the country and the establishment of the State of Israel would result in a war - that the Arabs would lose, according to declassified UK government documents published Friday by The Guardian. Another document from 1946 states that "the Jewish public in Israel supports terrorism, in light of British policy."
According to the British newspaper, various Colonial Office reports paint a picture of increasing "terrorist acts" by the Jews, and the external pressure from the US, the UN and the Zionist movement to divide the country. In addition, the documents criticize British Mandate officials who were concerned with "how to allocate between them two Rolls-Royces and a Daimler" during the tense times.
Colonial Secretary George Hall was told "The Jewish public … endorsed the attitude of its leaders that terrorism is a natural consequence of the general policy of His Majesty's Government." This included the illegal infiltration of Jews into Palestine. Another document quoted a British official who, in a report to London in October 1946, more than a year before the UN vote over the partition plan, said that "Arab leaders appear to be still disposed to defer active opposition so long as a chance of a political decision acceptable to Arab interests exists."
"There is a real danger lest any further Jewish provocation may result in isolated acts of retaliation spreading inevitably to wider Arab-Jewish clashes," the report read.
Papers also reveal that moderate Jewish leaders were afraid to be seen as "Quislings," after the Norwegian Nazi-collaborating leader whose name became synonymous with treason. Pressure by the Zionist lobby in America is cited as another instigating factor for the Jews.
A report written in early 1948, as the war for Israel broke out, read "Jewish victories … have reduced Arab morale to zero and, following the cowardly example of their inept leaders, they are fleeing from the mixed areas in their thousands. It is now obvious that the only hope of regaining their position lies in the regular armies of the Arab states."
The Guardian described the papers a having "a remarkable contemporary resonance." Thus, according to the British newspaper, a wartime report intended for British intelligence officials said Arab nationalism had a "double nature … a rational constructive movement receptive of western influence and help and an emotional movement of revolt against the west."
The report concluded by saying "The conflict between these two tendencies will be decided in the present generation. The first aim of the policy of the western powers must be to prevent the triumph of the second tendency."
26 apr 2013
British officials predicted war – and Arab defeat – in Palestine in 1948
Barbed wire – to separate Arabs and Jews – covers Princess Mary Avenue in Jerusalem (now called Shlomtsiyon HaMalka) in May 1948
Declassified UK reports document build-up of conflict, Jewish public's endorsement of their leaders' pro-terrorist stance and declare armies of Arab states were Palestinians' 'only hope'.
The British government knew from the moment it planned to withdraw its forces from Palestine more than 60 years ago that partition of the territory and the founding of the state of Israel would lead to war and defeat for the Arabs, secret documents released make clear.
The documents, which have a remarkable contemporary resonance, reveal how British officials looked on as Jewish settlers took over more and more Arab land.
In the weeks leading up to the partition of Palestine in 1948, when Britain gave up its UN mandate, Jewish terrorist groups were mounting increasing attacks on UK forces and Arab fighters, the Colonial Office papers show.
And they reveal how senior British officials were occupied in deciding how to allocate between them two Rolls-Royces and a Daimler.
The papers, released at the National Archives, show how in regular intelligence reports to London, British officials in Jerusalem described a steady build-up of tension as Britain, the US, the United Nations and Zionists moved towards the partition of Palestine.
As early as October 1946, two years before partition, UK officials warned London that Jewish opinion would oppose partition "unless the Jewish share were so enlarged as to make the scheme wholly unacceptable to Arabs".
British officials warned the colonial secretary, George Hall: "The Jewish public … endorsed the attitude of its leaders that terrorism is a natural consequence of the general policy of His Majesty's Government", including turning away ships carrying "illegal" Jewish immigrants.
Moderate Jewish leaders were frightened of being called quislings, British officials told London, referring to collaborators with Nazi Germany in occupied countries. The next UK intelligence report referred to "effective pressures which Zionists in America are in a position to exert on the American administration".
After an increase in violent attacks by the militant Zionists of the Stern group and Irgun, British officials reported later in 1946: "Arab leaders appear to be still disposed to defer active opposition so long as a chance of a political decision acceptable to Arab interests exists." But they warned: "There is a real danger lest any further Jewish provocation may result in isolated acts of retaliation spreading inevitably to wider Arab-Jewish clashes".
A report dated October 1947 refers to Menachem Begin, commander of Irgun, stating in a press interview that "the fight against the British invader would continue until the last one left Palestine".
Begin was later elected prime minister of Israel and signed a peace treaty with Egypt's president Anwar Sadat in 1979, for which the two leaders were awarded the Nobel peace prize.
By early 1948 British officials were reporting that "the Arabs have suffered a series of overwhelming defeats." They added: "Jewish victories … have reduced Arab morale to zero and, following the cowardly example of their inept leaders, they are fleeing from the mixed areas in their thousands. It is now obvious that the only hope of regaining their position lies in the regular armies of the Arab states."
London was warned: "Arab-Jewish violence is now diffused over virtually all of Palestine". A few days later, British officials spoke of "internicine [sic] strife" and the "steady influx of Arab volunteers" from neighbouring countries.
The papers show that two years earlier, British intelligence officials were reporting "disturbing indications of a revival of political interest and activity among the rank and file of Palestinian Arabs ... The decision to admit Cyprus deportees [Jews deported to camps on the island] against the immigration quotas, the impression that concessions have been made by His Majesty's Government in deference to Jewish pressure and terrorism … have been instrumental in arousing Arab public feeling."
Syria, then as now but for very different reasons, was a centre of concern for western powers. "Arab nationalism is moving towards another crisis. This is especially noticeable in Syria," said a report drawn up during the second world war for British intelligence officers and propaganda chiefs.
There was a widespread view then that Syria and Lebanon would be handed back to France once the war was over. "Syria may be the scene of the next act of the Arab Revolution," added the report, referring to a feeling of humiliation in the Arab world.
The wartime report drawn up for British intelligence officials said Arab nationalism had a "double nature … a rational constructive movement receptive of western influence and help [and] an emotional movement of revolt against the west".
It concluded: "The conflict between these two tendencies will be decided in the present generation. The first aim of the policy of the western powers must be to prevent the triumph of the second tendency."
Among the classified papers released today is a report on how to share out cars among the British diplomats and intelligence officers who would remain in Jerusalem after partition. A seven-seater Rolls-Royce was described as "a big fast car".The problem, the report says, was the UK high commissioner in Palestine, General Sir Alan Gordon Cunningham "intends to bring it home for use in the UK protem [sic]".
Another Rolls was described as "an excellent car except that for prolonged fast touring in the country it has not quite enough power on hills". An armoured Daimler, described as "the King's air raid car" when it was in Britain, was said to be "slow owing to its weight".
The state of Israel was proclaimed on 14 May 1948. The following day, the last remaining British troops withdrew and the first Arab-Israeli war began.
Declassified UK reports document build-up of conflict, Jewish public's endorsement of their leaders' pro-terrorist stance and declare armies of Arab states were Palestinians' 'only hope'.
The British government knew from the moment it planned to withdraw its forces from Palestine more than 60 years ago that partition of the territory and the founding of the state of Israel would lead to war and defeat for the Arabs, secret documents released make clear.
The documents, which have a remarkable contemporary resonance, reveal how British officials looked on as Jewish settlers took over more and more Arab land.
In the weeks leading up to the partition of Palestine in 1948, when Britain gave up its UN mandate, Jewish terrorist groups were mounting increasing attacks on UK forces and Arab fighters, the Colonial Office papers show.
And they reveal how senior British officials were occupied in deciding how to allocate between them two Rolls-Royces and a Daimler.
The papers, released at the National Archives, show how in regular intelligence reports to London, British officials in Jerusalem described a steady build-up of tension as Britain, the US, the United Nations and Zionists moved towards the partition of Palestine.
As early as October 1946, two years before partition, UK officials warned London that Jewish opinion would oppose partition "unless the Jewish share were so enlarged as to make the scheme wholly unacceptable to Arabs".
British officials warned the colonial secretary, George Hall: "The Jewish public … endorsed the attitude of its leaders that terrorism is a natural consequence of the general policy of His Majesty's Government", including turning away ships carrying "illegal" Jewish immigrants.
Moderate Jewish leaders were frightened of being called quislings, British officials told London, referring to collaborators with Nazi Germany in occupied countries. The next UK intelligence report referred to "effective pressures which Zionists in America are in a position to exert on the American administration".
After an increase in violent attacks by the militant Zionists of the Stern group and Irgun, British officials reported later in 1946: "Arab leaders appear to be still disposed to defer active opposition so long as a chance of a political decision acceptable to Arab interests exists." But they warned: "There is a real danger lest any further Jewish provocation may result in isolated acts of retaliation spreading inevitably to wider Arab-Jewish clashes".
A report dated October 1947 refers to Menachem Begin, commander of Irgun, stating in a press interview that "the fight against the British invader would continue until the last one left Palestine".
Begin was later elected prime minister of Israel and signed a peace treaty with Egypt's president Anwar Sadat in 1979, for which the two leaders were awarded the Nobel peace prize.
By early 1948 British officials were reporting that "the Arabs have suffered a series of overwhelming defeats." They added: "Jewish victories … have reduced Arab morale to zero and, following the cowardly example of their inept leaders, they are fleeing from the mixed areas in their thousands. It is now obvious that the only hope of regaining their position lies in the regular armies of the Arab states."
London was warned: "Arab-Jewish violence is now diffused over virtually all of Palestine". A few days later, British officials spoke of "internicine [sic] strife" and the "steady influx of Arab volunteers" from neighbouring countries.
The papers show that two years earlier, British intelligence officials were reporting "disturbing indications of a revival of political interest and activity among the rank and file of Palestinian Arabs ... The decision to admit Cyprus deportees [Jews deported to camps on the island] against the immigration quotas, the impression that concessions have been made by His Majesty's Government in deference to Jewish pressure and terrorism … have been instrumental in arousing Arab public feeling."
Syria, then as now but for very different reasons, was a centre of concern for western powers. "Arab nationalism is moving towards another crisis. This is especially noticeable in Syria," said a report drawn up during the second world war for British intelligence officers and propaganda chiefs.
There was a widespread view then that Syria and Lebanon would be handed back to France once the war was over. "Syria may be the scene of the next act of the Arab Revolution," added the report, referring to a feeling of humiliation in the Arab world.
The wartime report drawn up for British intelligence officials said Arab nationalism had a "double nature … a rational constructive movement receptive of western influence and help [and] an emotional movement of revolt against the west".
It concluded: "The conflict between these two tendencies will be decided in the present generation. The first aim of the policy of the western powers must be to prevent the triumph of the second tendency."
Among the classified papers released today is a report on how to share out cars among the British diplomats and intelligence officers who would remain in Jerusalem after partition. A seven-seater Rolls-Royce was described as "a big fast car".The problem, the report says, was the UK high commissioner in Palestine, General Sir Alan Gordon Cunningham "intends to bring it home for use in the UK protem [sic]".
Another Rolls was described as "an excellent car except that for prolonged fast touring in the country it has not quite enough power on hills". An armoured Daimler, described as "the King's air raid car" when it was in Britain, was said to be "slow owing to its weight".
The state of Israel was proclaimed on 14 May 1948. The following day, the last remaining British troops withdrew and the first Arab-Israeli war began.
Files that may shed light on colonial crimes still kept secret by UK
Some of the Kenyans seeking compensation from Britain for their Mau Mau-era torture: from left, Wambugu Wa Nyingi, who spent 10 years in detention, Jane Muthoni Mara, who was raped in detention aged 15, and Paulo Nzili, who was castrated by his captors
Secret government files from the final years of the British empire are still being concealed despite a pledge by William Hague, the foreign secretary, that they would be declassified and opened to the public.
The withheld files are among a huge cache of documents that remained hidden from view for decades at an undisclosed Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) archive, in breach of laws governing the handling of official papers. Once the existence of the archive became known to lawyers for a group of elderly Kenyans who are trying to sue the British government over the abuses they suffered during the Mau Mau insurgency, Hague ordered an inquiry and promised disclosure.
He told MPs: "I believe that it is the right thing to do for the information in these files now to be properly examined and recorded and made available to the public through the National Archives. It is my intention to release every part of every paper of interest subject only to legal exemptions."
However, it emerged this week that the Foreign Office is holding back significant numbers of documents, using a legal exemption contained within a catch-all clause within the very law that it had breached by maintaining the secret archive.
Among the papers known to have been withheld by the FCO are a file that contains the minutes of many of the meetings of the cabinet of the British colonial government in Kenya in 1963, the year before independence; a file about compensation that was paid after the 1946 bombing of the British military HQ at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem; and a file containing telegrams that British diplomats sent to London from Mauritius in 1968, the year that colony proclaimed independence.
Other files that are known to remain hidden from public view include a series of five concerning a visit that Prince Philip made to Singapore in 1956; three concerning a proposed royal visit to Nigeria the same year; and a proposed royal visit to Mauritius in 1968.
The Mauritius papers could be particularly sensitive as they could shed light on Britain's decision to expel about 1,500 Chagos islanders a few years later, having agreed to lease Diego Garcia to the United States for use as a military base.
Sections of some files that have been declassified and handed over the National Archives at Kew, south-west London, are also being withheld. These include parts of a 1950 file about the "indoctrination of Malay Chinese" travelling to China, which the Foreign Office wishes to remain concealed until 2032; Singapore intelligence reports from the 1950s; and a 1960 file concerning Northern Cameroons, both of which the Foreign Office plans to withhold until 2029. These files remain classified under the terms of Section 3.4 of the 1958 Public Records Act, which permits government departments to withhold from public view any historic document "required for administrative purposes" or that "ought to be retained for any other special reason".
The Foreign Office declined to disclose the reasons for deciding that specific files should be withheld, with the result that the reason for the continuing secrecy is itself, at this stage, a secret. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are committed to making as many files as we can from our colonial archives available to the public. These files are an important part of our history. By the end of our programme, we'll have released some 18,000 files. On average, only 1% of material has been withheld from release."
The secret archive was discovered by a number of historians, including David Anderson, professor of African politics at Oxford, who were working for the legal team that represented the Mau Mau veterans as they fought for the right to sue to the British government for the mistreatment they suffered as prisoners of the British in 1950s Kenya. The government had acknowledged that their accounts of appalling torture are true, but is continuing to contest their right to claim damages, saying that a fair trial is impossible after so many years.
During a series of hearings the Foreign Office acknowledged that the archive existed, and that it contained 200 boxes of files: 1.5 tons of paper that covered about 200 metres of shelving. Lord Howell, then Foreign Office minister, said that the documents had been brought to the UK not only from Kenya, but from 37 different colonies and protectorates including Aden, Ceylon, Cyprus, Malaya, Malta, Nigeria and Northern Rhodesia.
For several years the secret archive was housed at Hanslope Park in Buckinghamshire, inside the highly secure premises of Her Majesty's Government Communications Centre. This is a facility where teams of scientists – real-life versions of Q, the fictional boffin of the James Bond films – work behind five metre-high fences topped with razor wire to devise technical aids for MI5 and MI6.
An inquiry commissioned by Hague established that the files were first stored in Hayes, west London, before being moved to Hanslope Park, where staff were led to believe that they belonged to another organisation called Hayes and not to the FCO.
Anthony Cary, the former British high commissioner to Canada, who conducted the investigation, reported that "a canard that was widely shared and passed down during handovers" included the explanation that the FCO was holding the archive because there had been a fire at Hayes. In this way it was never assessed for declassification, as the law required, and placed beyond reach of the Freedom of Information Act.
Once the bulk of the material began to be handed over to the National Archive, it became clear that many of Britain's late colonial-era official papers were not archived anywhere, but destroyed.
Thousands of documents containing evidence of official misdeeds committed in the years in the years before independence were either incinerated or dumped at sea. Surviving scraps of documents show that colonial officials in some colonies, such as Kenya, were told that there should be a presumption in favour of disposal of documents rather than removal to the UK – "emphasis is placed upon destruction" – and that no trace of either the documents or their incineration should remain. When documents were burned, officials were told that "the waste should be reduced to ash and the ashes broken up".
Some idea of the scale of the destruction operations can be gleaned from instruction documents that survived the purge. In certain circumstances, officials in Kenya were informed, "it is permissible, as an alternative to destruction by fire, for documents to be packed in weighted crates and dumped in very deep and current-free water at maximum practicable distance from the coast".
Secret government files from the final years of the British empire are still being concealed despite a pledge by William Hague, the foreign secretary, that they would be declassified and opened to the public.
The withheld files are among a huge cache of documents that remained hidden from view for decades at an undisclosed Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) archive, in breach of laws governing the handling of official papers. Once the existence of the archive became known to lawyers for a group of elderly Kenyans who are trying to sue the British government over the abuses they suffered during the Mau Mau insurgency, Hague ordered an inquiry and promised disclosure.
He told MPs: "I believe that it is the right thing to do for the information in these files now to be properly examined and recorded and made available to the public through the National Archives. It is my intention to release every part of every paper of interest subject only to legal exemptions."
However, it emerged this week that the Foreign Office is holding back significant numbers of documents, using a legal exemption contained within a catch-all clause within the very law that it had breached by maintaining the secret archive.
Among the papers known to have been withheld by the FCO are a file that contains the minutes of many of the meetings of the cabinet of the British colonial government in Kenya in 1963, the year before independence; a file about compensation that was paid after the 1946 bombing of the British military HQ at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem; and a file containing telegrams that British diplomats sent to London from Mauritius in 1968, the year that colony proclaimed independence.
Other files that are known to remain hidden from public view include a series of five concerning a visit that Prince Philip made to Singapore in 1956; three concerning a proposed royal visit to Nigeria the same year; and a proposed royal visit to Mauritius in 1968.
The Mauritius papers could be particularly sensitive as they could shed light on Britain's decision to expel about 1,500 Chagos islanders a few years later, having agreed to lease Diego Garcia to the United States for use as a military base.
Sections of some files that have been declassified and handed over the National Archives at Kew, south-west London, are also being withheld. These include parts of a 1950 file about the "indoctrination of Malay Chinese" travelling to China, which the Foreign Office wishes to remain concealed until 2032; Singapore intelligence reports from the 1950s; and a 1960 file concerning Northern Cameroons, both of which the Foreign Office plans to withhold until 2029. These files remain classified under the terms of Section 3.4 of the 1958 Public Records Act, which permits government departments to withhold from public view any historic document "required for administrative purposes" or that "ought to be retained for any other special reason".
The Foreign Office declined to disclose the reasons for deciding that specific files should be withheld, with the result that the reason for the continuing secrecy is itself, at this stage, a secret. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are committed to making as many files as we can from our colonial archives available to the public. These files are an important part of our history. By the end of our programme, we'll have released some 18,000 files. On average, only 1% of material has been withheld from release."
The secret archive was discovered by a number of historians, including David Anderson, professor of African politics at Oxford, who were working for the legal team that represented the Mau Mau veterans as they fought for the right to sue to the British government for the mistreatment they suffered as prisoners of the British in 1950s Kenya. The government had acknowledged that their accounts of appalling torture are true, but is continuing to contest their right to claim damages, saying that a fair trial is impossible after so many years.
During a series of hearings the Foreign Office acknowledged that the archive existed, and that it contained 200 boxes of files: 1.5 tons of paper that covered about 200 metres of shelving. Lord Howell, then Foreign Office minister, said that the documents had been brought to the UK not only from Kenya, but from 37 different colonies and protectorates including Aden, Ceylon, Cyprus, Malaya, Malta, Nigeria and Northern Rhodesia.
For several years the secret archive was housed at Hanslope Park in Buckinghamshire, inside the highly secure premises of Her Majesty's Government Communications Centre. This is a facility where teams of scientists – real-life versions of Q, the fictional boffin of the James Bond films – work behind five metre-high fences topped with razor wire to devise technical aids for MI5 and MI6.
An inquiry commissioned by Hague established that the files were first stored in Hayes, west London, before being moved to Hanslope Park, where staff were led to believe that they belonged to another organisation called Hayes and not to the FCO.
Anthony Cary, the former British high commissioner to Canada, who conducted the investigation, reported that "a canard that was widely shared and passed down during handovers" included the explanation that the FCO was holding the archive because there had been a fire at Hayes. In this way it was never assessed for declassification, as the law required, and placed beyond reach of the Freedom of Information Act.
Once the bulk of the material began to be handed over to the National Archive, it became clear that many of Britain's late colonial-era official papers were not archived anywhere, but destroyed.
Thousands of documents containing evidence of official misdeeds committed in the years in the years before independence were either incinerated or dumped at sea. Surviving scraps of documents show that colonial officials in some colonies, such as Kenya, were told that there should be a presumption in favour of disposal of documents rather than removal to the UK – "emphasis is placed upon destruction" – and that no trace of either the documents or their incineration should remain. When documents were burned, officials were told that "the waste should be reduced to ash and the ashes broken up".
Some idea of the scale of the destruction operations can be gleaned from instruction documents that survived the purge. In certain circumstances, officials in Kenya were informed, "it is permissible, as an alternative to destruction by fire, for documents to be packed in weighted crates and dumped in very deep and current-free water at maximum practicable distance from the coast".
12 apr 2013
220 world dignitaries demand UK to apologize for Balfour Declaration
220 Palestinian, Arab, and international personalities signed a memorandum demanding the UK to apologize for the Balfour Declaration. The International Campaign to demand Britain to apologize for the Balfour Declaration said in a press statement on Thursday that the signing of the memo took place during a conference held in Cairo from April 4 to 6, in the presence of a group of dignitaries from around the Arab and Muslim world.
The campaign added that the signatories to the petition were parliamentarians, scholars, academics, journalists, politicians, researchers, heads of associations, doctors, engineers and writers, from different Arab, Islamic and Western countries.
International Campaign to demand Britain to apologize for the Balfour Declaration has been officially launched in London on January 19 during an academic conference organized by the Palestinian Return Center.
The campaign aims to collect one million signatures within five years to be submitted to the British government to demand it to apologize to the Palestinian people for the Balfour Declaration.
The campaign added that the signatories to the petition were parliamentarians, scholars, academics, journalists, politicians, researchers, heads of associations, doctors, engineers and writers, from different Arab, Islamic and Western countries.
International Campaign to demand Britain to apologize for the Balfour Declaration has been officially launched in London on January 19 during an academic conference organized by the Palestinian Return Center.
The campaign aims to collect one million signatures within five years to be submitted to the British government to demand it to apologize to the Palestinian people for the Balfour Declaration.
7 apr 2013
Blair ordered production of intel for Iraq war: Report
Blair and "peace" proces
Former British Premier Tony Blair ordered UK's intelligence services to produce intelligence to support the war on Iraq despite knowing that Baghdad posed no threat to international security, according to newly-reveled evidence.
According to a report by the Independent, documents given by British intelligence to Chilcot Inquiry, led by Sir John Chilcot, reveal that during a meeting with former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove, Blair had "understood the risk … of focusing on WMD in relation to Iraq."
The session was held one day before Blair’s meeting with former US president George Bush on April 5, 2002.
The report added that Blair came out a "changed man" after his meeting with Bush and ordered the intelligence services to "find the intelligence" that he wanted to use to justify going to war.
The US and Britain invaded Iraq in blatant violation of international law in 2003 under the pretext of finding WMD allegedly stockpiled by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. No weapons, however, were ever discovered in Iraq.
More than one million Iraqis were killed as a result of the invasion and subsequent occupation of the country, according to the California-based investigative organization Project Censored.
Former British Premier Tony Blair ordered UK's intelligence services to produce intelligence to support the war on Iraq despite knowing that Baghdad posed no threat to international security, according to newly-reveled evidence.
According to a report by the Independent, documents given by British intelligence to Chilcot Inquiry, led by Sir John Chilcot, reveal that during a meeting with former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove, Blair had "understood the risk … of focusing on WMD in relation to Iraq."
The session was held one day before Blair’s meeting with former US president George Bush on April 5, 2002.
The report added that Blair came out a "changed man" after his meeting with Bush and ordered the intelligence services to "find the intelligence" that he wanted to use to justify going to war.
The US and Britain invaded Iraq in blatant violation of international law in 2003 under the pretext of finding WMD allegedly stockpiled by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. No weapons, however, were ever discovered in Iraq.
More than one million Iraqis were killed as a result of the invasion and subsequent occupation of the country, according to the California-based investigative organization Project Censored.
6 apr 2013
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Iran denounces Britain's plan to upgrade nuclear arms
Iran has criticized Britain’s plan to upgrade its nuclear weapons capability, renewing the Islamic Republic’s call for a world free from nuclear weapons. In an exclusive interview with Press TV on Saturday, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili reiterated that Iran’s position is “No one should possess nuclear weapons.” "At the same time, all signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty must have the right to peaceful nuclear energy," he urged. The Iranian official denounced the West’s double standards regarding the right to nuclear energy. Jalili noted while certain countries explicitly possess nuclear warheads and conduct military nuclear tests, others are barred from developing nuclear energy for civilian purposes. |
Nuclear powers must be held accountable for their behaviors before the international community, he added.
He called on the UN Security Council to take action to disarm those countries, instead of focusing on a country which is trying to access nuclear energy to meet its medical needs.
British Prime Minister David Cameron recently unveiled a plan to renew UK’s fleet of Vanguard-class submarines with more sophisticated nuclear systems.
Each of the four submarines is armed with up to 16 ballistic Trident-2 missiles and 40 nuclear warheads.
It is estimated that the upgrade will cost UK tax-payers nearly 40 billion US dollars.
He called on the UN Security Council to take action to disarm those countries, instead of focusing on a country which is trying to access nuclear energy to meet its medical needs.
British Prime Minister David Cameron recently unveiled a plan to renew UK’s fleet of Vanguard-class submarines with more sophisticated nuclear systems.
Each of the four submarines is armed with up to 16 ballistic Trident-2 missiles and 40 nuclear warheads.
It is estimated that the upgrade will cost UK tax-payers nearly 40 billion US dollars.
5 mar 2013
Student protests prevent British consul to Israel from delivering lecture
Dozens of students at Birzeit University threw stones at the car of British Consul General to Israel Sir Vincent Finn on Tuesday preventing him from delivering a lecture at the university.
A source at the students’ movement told the PIC that the students gathered in front of the law institute in the university where he was supposed to lecture and protested his country’s biased stand in favor of Israel.
He said that the students raised posters with slogans like “Refugees because of your (Balfour) Declaration”, and “Prisoners are dying,” and “Stop supporting occupation”.
The source said that the students were protesting the international positions, especially the British, that they deemed unfair to the Palestinians and to the prisoners and in favor of Israeli policies.
A source at the students’ movement told the PIC that the students gathered in front of the law institute in the university where he was supposed to lecture and protested his country’s biased stand in favor of Israel.
He said that the students raised posters with slogans like “Refugees because of your (Balfour) Declaration”, and “Prisoners are dying,” and “Stop supporting occupation”.
The source said that the students were protesting the international positions, especially the British, that they deemed unfair to the Palestinians and to the prisoners and in favor of Israeli policies.
30 jan 2013
Palestinian support campaign for MP David Ward
Zaher Al-Berawi, Spokesman for the Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB) expressed the Palestinian community's solidarity with the British MP David Ward, who is under attack from the Zionist lobby media in Britain for his comments regarding Israeli treatment of Palestinian people.
Al-Berawi stated that this campaign against MP David came within the policy of gagging and confiscation of freedom of opinion and expression in Britain, especially if it is related to exposing the Israeli practices against the Palestinians in the occupied territories.
Al-Berawi stated that MP David Ward was subjected to fierce attack following his criticism of the atrocious treatment of Palestinian people by the Israelis, adding that such practices should not happen in a country that claims to be democratic.
He stressed that such practices will not succeed to cover the true face of the Israeli apartheid system in Palestine.
Al-Berawi praised MP David's courageous position despite the Zionist lobby pressures and campaigns, appreciating the Palestine supporters in the British Parliament and society for their efforts in defending Palestinian rights.
The spokesman for PFB called on the Arab and Muslim communities in the city Bradford and neighboring towns to support the MP through every possible means.
David Ward, MP for Bradford East, wrote on his own website, ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday, that he was "saddened that they ‘could within a few years of liberation from the death camps be inflicting atrocities on Palestinians…on a daily basis."
"Having visited Auschwitz twice, once with my family and once with local schools, I am saddened that the Jews, who suffered unbelievable levels of persecution during the Holocaust, could within a few years of liberation from the death camps be inflicting atrocities on Palestinians in the new State of Israel and continue to do so on a daily basis in the West Bank and Gaza," MP Ward wrote.
David's statement have raised huge criticism within the Zionist lobby in Britain and even within his political party, leading him to explain that he did not mean all the Jews.
"I apologize for my unintended mistake, I understand, of course, the sensitivity of this issue especially with Holocaust Memorial Day," he said.
He explained that his criticism was "against the practices in the Palestinian territories since 1948 that were committed by the State of Israel."
He added that the Zionist lobby's campaign will not stop him from continuing to support the Palestinian people as long as Israel continues to practice oppression against them.
Al-Berawi stated that this campaign against MP David came within the policy of gagging and confiscation of freedom of opinion and expression in Britain, especially if it is related to exposing the Israeli practices against the Palestinians in the occupied territories.
Al-Berawi stated that MP David Ward was subjected to fierce attack following his criticism of the atrocious treatment of Palestinian people by the Israelis, adding that such practices should not happen in a country that claims to be democratic.
He stressed that such practices will not succeed to cover the true face of the Israeli apartheid system in Palestine.
Al-Berawi praised MP David's courageous position despite the Zionist lobby pressures and campaigns, appreciating the Palestine supporters in the British Parliament and society for their efforts in defending Palestinian rights.
The spokesman for PFB called on the Arab and Muslim communities in the city Bradford and neighboring towns to support the MP through every possible means.
David Ward, MP for Bradford East, wrote on his own website, ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday, that he was "saddened that they ‘could within a few years of liberation from the death camps be inflicting atrocities on Palestinians…on a daily basis."
"Having visited Auschwitz twice, once with my family and once with local schools, I am saddened that the Jews, who suffered unbelievable levels of persecution during the Holocaust, could within a few years of liberation from the death camps be inflicting atrocities on Palestinians in the new State of Israel and continue to do so on a daily basis in the West Bank and Gaza," MP Ward wrote.
David's statement have raised huge criticism within the Zionist lobby in Britain and even within his political party, leading him to explain that he did not mean all the Jews.
"I apologize for my unintended mistake, I understand, of course, the sensitivity of this issue especially with Holocaust Memorial Day," he said.
He explained that his criticism was "against the practices in the Palestinian territories since 1948 that were committed by the State of Israel."
He added that the Zionist lobby's campaign will not stop him from continuing to support the Palestinian people as long as Israel continues to practice oppression against them.
Documentary in Britain showing Palestinians' suffering in Iraq
The London based, Palestinian Return Center hosted the first film screening of the documentary, “Displaced in Diaspora”, translated to English showing the plight of Palestinian refugees since their expulsion from Iraq in 2003.
The documentary came within the center's 4th annual Palestine Memorial Week, which commenced on Saturday 19 January with a conference on Britain’s Legacy in Palestine.
The event was attended by dozens of Palestine supporters from the British public, as well as some British MPs who have traveled to the Iraq-Syria border within the EU delegation organized by PRC to compile a documentary evidence of their ongoing plight.
Ghassan Faour, the center's vice chairman of the board of trustees, said that "Week of the victims," contributed to "expose human rights violations against the Palestinian people."
He pointed out the importance of launching the five year Balfour Campaign to mark the forthcoming centenary of the Balfour Declaration in 2017.
"The campaign calls on Britain to apologize for its historical mistake and make reparations to Palestinians who endured human rights violations at British hands," he said.
MP Jeremy Corbin, who was part of the EU delegation, called for an urgent solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees in Iraq and called on the Iraqi government and international organizations to protect them from persecution. Corbin stressed the need to return those refugees to their villages and homes from which they were displaced in 1948.
For his part, the activist and filmmaker Adam Shapiro has praised the documentary that translated the Palestinian refugees' suffering in Iraq and which exposed the complicity of some international and Arab countries that refused to receive them even for a short period, which led to the death, arrest and displacement of thousands of them in Iraq.
The documentary's director, Jamal al-Dalali, stated that the filming process took place in Iraq and many other host countries such as Brazil, India, Norway, Sweden, Cyprus, Syria to compile a documentary evidence of their ongoing plight.
The center has honored the director and the screenwriter, Amani Abdul Hamid.
PRC has produced the film for Al Jazeera documentary TV channel, where it has recently won the second prize in the Arab Festival for Radio and Television, which took place in Tunisia last month.
The documentary is one of the initiatives to come out from the Five year involvement by PRC with the Palestinian refugees from Iraq.
The documentary came within the center's 4th annual Palestine Memorial Week, which commenced on Saturday 19 January with a conference on Britain’s Legacy in Palestine.
The event was attended by dozens of Palestine supporters from the British public, as well as some British MPs who have traveled to the Iraq-Syria border within the EU delegation organized by PRC to compile a documentary evidence of their ongoing plight.
Ghassan Faour, the center's vice chairman of the board of trustees, said that "Week of the victims," contributed to "expose human rights violations against the Palestinian people."
He pointed out the importance of launching the five year Balfour Campaign to mark the forthcoming centenary of the Balfour Declaration in 2017.
"The campaign calls on Britain to apologize for its historical mistake and make reparations to Palestinians who endured human rights violations at British hands," he said.
MP Jeremy Corbin, who was part of the EU delegation, called for an urgent solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees in Iraq and called on the Iraqi government and international organizations to protect them from persecution. Corbin stressed the need to return those refugees to their villages and homes from which they were displaced in 1948.
For his part, the activist and filmmaker Adam Shapiro has praised the documentary that translated the Palestinian refugees' suffering in Iraq and which exposed the complicity of some international and Arab countries that refused to receive them even for a short period, which led to the death, arrest and displacement of thousands of them in Iraq.
The documentary's director, Jamal al-Dalali, stated that the filming process took place in Iraq and many other host countries such as Brazil, India, Norway, Sweden, Cyprus, Syria to compile a documentary evidence of their ongoing plight.
The center has honored the director and the screenwriter, Amani Abdul Hamid.
PRC has produced the film for Al Jazeera documentary TV channel, where it has recently won the second prize in the Arab Festival for Radio and Television, which took place in Tunisia last month.
The documentary is one of the initiatives to come out from the Five year involvement by PRC with the Palestinian refugees from Iraq.
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