STUC calls for Boycott
_POSTEDON 2002-04-23 18:41:17 by
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goha _WRITES "Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Annual Conference 17/4/02
(Call for Boycott paragraph g)
EMERGENCY MOTION NO.4
"PALESTINE"
"That this Congress expresses grave concern at the massive deterioration in the situation in Palestine during recent weeks. Congress is appalled at the unnecessary loss of human life of men, women and children in Israel and Palestine and condemns the Israeli Government for its continuing policy of State terrorism against the Palestinian people.
"Congress welcomes the Saudi initiative, endorsed by the Arab Summit.
"Congress extends its solidarity to the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions, expressing regret that Israel’s intervention has prevented the PGFTU delegation from attending Congress, and calls on affiliates to support measures of practical solidarity with the Trade Union Movement in Palestine.
"Congress also condemns the actions of the Israeli Government in withdrawing the basic human right of freedom of movement, leading to workers being unable to reach their places of employment, having to negotiate road blocks and face indiscriminate arrests, attacks and artillery fire.
"Congress further calls on the General Council to take immediate action at a political and international trade union level, and in particular to:
a) Demand that the UK Government uses all possible political and economic measures to persuade the Israeli Government to comply with UN resolutions, and to use its influence to persuade the European Union and the Government of the United States to take similar action;
b) call for an end to attacks on all innocent civilians;
c) call for immediate withdrawal of all Israeli troops from the occupied territories and an immediate halt to the establishment of illegal Israeli settlements and Israeli withdrawal from existing illegal settlements in Palestine Territories;
d) demand immediate access for UN European Union and other international observers, humanitarian agencies and journalists to all Palestinian areas;
e) demand the establishment of an International Commission of Inquiry into allegations of human rights abuses, including killings of civilians, by Israeli Defence Force soldiers in Palestinian refugee camps;
f) demand that the UK Government asserts its clear support for greater intervention by the European Union and further asserts the primary responsibility of the UN in promoting a political solution which will guarantee an independent State of Palestine, and the right to return for all Palestinian refugees, including those born outside Palestine as a result of the enforced exile of their parents;
g) call for support for a temporary boycott of Israeli goods and services until Israel complies with UN resolutions, with the proviso that exceptions be made for for products of genuine religious significance, and that continuous advice is taken from the PGFTU on the advisability of continuation of the boycott;
h) call for an immediate halt to British arms sales to Israel.
"Congress also calls on the General Council to lead a campaign to revitalise support for medical aid for Palestinians, in order to ensure that Scottish Trade Unionists can play their part in helping to alleviate the terrible suffering of the Palestinian people at this time."
Mover - General Council
Seconder - T & G Scotland
Supporters - UNISON Scotland
- National Union of Journalists
- Public and Commercial Services Union
- Fire Brigades Union
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