April 8, 2002

CEC STATEMENT ON PALESTINE

Press Statement issued by
the Central Executive Committee
Communist Party of Canada

The barbaric invasion of Palestine by Israeli troops, in defiance of international law and world public opinion, is totally unjustified and the Sharon government must be compelled to withdraw its forces immediately.

The attack and encirclement of the Presidential compound of Chairman Arafat in Ramallah, where he is being held in virtual captivity; the sacking of all other major Palestinian cities; the killing of over 200 Palestinians and the unlawful arrest of thousands more — all this is a monstrous and criminal act by the Zionist state of Israel. It confirms that the reactionary and racist government led by Ariel Sharon has no intention of seeking a negotiated and just peace.

The Communist Party condemns this act of state terrorism by Israel, one that could only have been undertaken with the active political and material support of the U.S. Administration.

After a prolonged and conspicuous silence, U.S. President Bush has finally ordered Israel to withdraw. This is a transparent attempt to protect Israel from growing international condemnation, while 'buying time' for Sharon's storm troopers to complete their assault before withdrawing. But such insincere manoeuvres fool no one.

The Communist Party regrets the growing loss of life of innocent civilians in this long festering conflict. But genuine and enduring peace and stability can only be achieved on the basis of the numerous U.N. resolutions which have repeatedly called for the complete withdrawal of Israel from all of the occupied territories seized in the 1967 war, including the dismantling of all Israeli settlements within Palestine; the establishment of a truly independent and sovereign Palestinian State — living side by side with the State of Israel — with East Jerusalem as its capital; and the full right of return for all Palestinians who were forcibly driven off their land since 1949.

Solidarity with the struggle of the Palestinian people!

End the Israeli occupation NOW!

For more information, contact CPC Party leader Miguel Figueroa at 416-469-2446.

© 2002 Communist Party of Canada