CTU MEDIA RELEASE

14 January 2009

CTU Calls for Government Action on Israel

“The New Zealand Government must do all it can to stop the inhumane bombing of Gaza by the Israeli Government” CTU President Helen Kelly said today. 

In response to calls for support from the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions and the International Trade Union Confederation,  the NZCTU is calling on the New Zealand Government to take a number of practical actions including:

·         Revoking the credentials of the Israeli Ambassador to New Zealand.

·         Cutting contacts with Israeli military and intelligence officials outside of official UN sponsored peacekeeping or observer liaison.

·         Ensuring that New Zealand does not import goods manufactured, in whole or in part, in the Occupied Territories.

·         Ensuring that the New Zealand government does not make use of Israeli products or services in its procurement provisions.

·         Taking steps to ensure that New Zealand sourced goods and services are not used by Israel to further its occupation of Palestinian lands.

·         Ending the ‘Working Holiday Scheme’ for young Israelis.

·         Attending meetings specific to, and advocate within, international organisations for the rights of the Palestinian people.

“These actions are similar to those taken by the Government in relation to Fiji and are an appropriate and proportionate response to the totally disproportionate actions of Israel against the people of Gaza”   Helen Kelly said.

“Families in Gaza are the poorest in the Middle East and have nowhere to hide from these attacks.  They are not only losing their lives but also the limited work opportunities that do exist are being destroyed.” She said 

“New Zealand is a long way away from this conflict, but we can make a real difference through these actions and in doing so, we make it clear to Israel that they must leave the occupied territories and work for peace in the region if they want international relations with countries like ours” Helen Kelly said.

Ends.

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