Palestine a central issue for European solidarity movements

19/09/2008 – Malmö, Sweden. The 5th European Social Forum is bringing together activists and social movements from all over Europe in Malmö, Sweden.

Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, MP, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, opened the Forum with a speech calling for solidarity with Palestine. "The struggle for the liberation of Palestine will not succeed without a strong and effective international solidarity movement," he said. "We especially need the support of international delegations and solidarity missions visiting Palestine. Their presence is essential to strengthen the Palestinian popular non-violent resistance".

Solidarity with Palestine is now well established as the central issue for European solidarity movements. The Social Forum hosts numerous seminars, exhibitions and films denouncing the Israeli occupation and the Apartheid system now enforced in the occupied territories, highlighting the non-violent resistance of Palestinians and demanding respect for Human Rights and a real peace process.

Dr. Barghouthi declared "European countries have a tradition to call for respect of Human Rights, but many purchase weapons and military equipment from Israel which violates the Human Rights of Palestinians every day. This is unacceptable and must stop."

The Palestinian National Initiative is calling for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israeli Apartheid to force an end to the occupation of Palestine and respect for international law.