THE CANADIAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS
AND THE CANADIAN ARAB FEDERATION
MEDIA COMMUNIQUE

June 14, 2006

ISLAMIC CONGRESS AND ARAB FEDERATION ISSUE JOINT CALL
FOR CANADA TO CONDEMN ISRAELI GAZA BEACH KILLINGS

The Canadian Islamic Congress and Canadian Arab Federation issued a joint statement today condemning the brutal killings of seven Palestinian family members who were picnicking on a Gaza beach last Friday.

Recent expressions of regret by Israeli PM Ehud Olmert and promises of an official military enquiry do nothing whatsoever to justify this brutal and illegal act -- one of many unprovoked attacks on Gaza against defenseless civilians.

The CIC and CAF urge the Canadian government to issue a strong and uncompromising warning to Israel and its allies that it condemns the oppression of the Palestinian people in all forms and that this most recent crime is wholly repugnant to the principles of international democracy and human rights.

Furthermore, Canada should promptly and publicly support United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, who has called for a full investigation of the killings. Mr. Annan's official statement says in part that under international humanitarian law, the Israeli military and all concerned are obliged "to avoid placing civilians in danger, while urging the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation and bloodshed."

These obligations have not been met by Israel who as an occupying power is bound by the Geneva Convention. Instead, oppression has been intensified and attacks have desecrated even one of the last recreational environments, the Gaza beaches, which Palestinians have left to enjoy.

The CIC and CAF are therefore once again urging Canada not to stand on the sidelines while the Palestinian people continue to be decimated.


CONTACTS:

Dr. Mohamed Elmasry, CIC's national president
(519) 746-4107 (O)
(519) 498-1350 (Cell)
E-mail: np@canadianislamiccongress.com

Mrs. Wahida Valiante, CIC's national VP
(905) 771-1023
E-mail: nvp@canadianislamiccongress.com

Khaled Mouammar, CAF's president
(416) 879-6766 (Cell)
E-mail: president@caf.ca



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