3 October 2003

Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Apartheid policies key obstacle to security, justice and peace in Palestine and Israel

Progressive Party deputy leader, Matt Robson, said news today that the Israeli government is to expand its race-based settlement programme on Palestinian lands illegally occupied in 1967 is a serious blow to the prospects for ever putting together a lasting peace in the region.

"The government of Israel administers Gaza, the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank of the Jordan River territories that were invaded and occupied by Israel in 1967.

"The Palestinians in those territories pay taxes but can't vote for the Israeli Parliament but under international law the Israeli government is responsible for their well being as people under military occupation.

"Instead of looking after their well being, the Israeli government today announced that it is in fact to expand its racially-exclusive settlement programme in the territories in invaded in 1967," Matt Robson said.

It was reported today that Israel has unveiled plans to build more than 600 new homes in Jewish-only settlements a day after its cabinet approved an expansion of its Bantustan Wall through the West Bank.

The Israeli government building projects, planned for three West Bank
settlements on occupied land, is in defiance of United Nations resolutions and international law. Palestinian inhabitants of the territory, mainly Moslem or Christian, aren't welcome to live in the settlements.

The Israeli government is a principal beneficiary of the United States government's overseas aid programme.

Matt Robson chairs the New Zealand Parliament-Palestine Legislative Council Friendship Group of MPs.

ENDS

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