[statecom-discuss] A shorter statement on Lebanon and Palestine

[Ron Francis]

Dear All,
   
  I have tried to put together a shorter statement on Lebanon and Gaza that meets some of the concerns raised by Colby, David and I, using text borrowed from Bill's statement:
   
  Israel’s attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, which include the bombing of civilian infrastructure and attacks 

on civilians, are unprovoked attacks and constitute 
gross violations of international law that meet the 
definition of war crimes.  In addition Israel's 
escalation is the primary 
cause of this past week’s violence in the Middle East.
 
The Green-Rainbow Party opposes any and all 
attacks on noncombatant civilians in the region.  
However, as the US government gives arms to Israel that 
facilitate Israel’s illegal attacks, our primary 
responsibility, as US residents, 
is to call upon the Israeli regime to: cease any and all 
offensives immediately; immediately leave Lebanese territory 
forever; and immediately leave the West Bank, Gaza and 
Jerusalem as a first step towards ending apartheid 
in historic Palestine.  
 
We therefore call on all 
invested parties, including the U.S., to divest from and 
cease all foreign aid to Israel as long as the human rights 
of Palestinians are denied. 
 
We affirm the right of Palestinian refugees, including those 
now residing in Lebanon, to return to their homes 
throughout historic Palestine (today called Israel) 
and live in peace without being discriminated against, 
de jure, as non-Jews. 
 
We condemn the pro-war statement "We Stand With Israel" 
signed by leading Democratic, Republican and 
independent politicians, published July 20 in the Boston press. 
 
The Green-Rainbow Party is the only party 
that stands with Palestinians who are fighting for an 
end to illegal occupation, racism and Zionist colonization. 
 
ron