From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Subject: Mideast: WILPF Letter re Deportations
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: PACH
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 1993 22:01:45 GMT

/** mideast.action: 39.0 **/
** Topic: WILPF letter re deportations **
** Written  5:42 pm  Dec 30, 1992 by dtaller in cdp:mideast.action **

Text of letter to George Bush, re IsraelUs deportations.

December 22, 1992

The President The White House Washington, D.C. 20050

Dear Mr. President

The WomenUs International League for Peace and  Freedom, U.S.
Section, shares the world-wide indignation at the Israeli
GovernmentUs decision to deport more than 400 Palestinians from
their homeland. This is an illegal act under international law and
a gross violation of human rights.

We share the Israeli peopleUs feeling of horror and grief over the
killing of the Israeli border guard. It was a hideous act and we
condemn it.  The killing is a part of the vicious cycle of
violence that has beset the region for all too long. This cycle of
violence has been further fueled by the Israeli GovernmentUs
massive deportations.

We support the U.S. government in voting for the United Nations
Security Council Resolution condemning the deportations as illegal
under international law and in violation of human rights. For the
sake of peace and for the end of violence, we urge the U.S.
government to press Israel to rescind their decision and permit
the return of these Palestinians to their homes. We urge you to
consider every possible action that might move Israel to do so.
Taking into account the sizable financial assistance provided to
Israel by our tax dollars and that under U.S. law  the U.S. is
forbidden to provide aid to countries that are in violation of
human rights conventions, the U.S. government has substantial
leverage.

We are also very concerned about the curfew in Gaza which affects
thousands of innocents.  The curfew which is also a violation of
human rights, effectively imprisons men, women and children within
their homes making it almost impossible to get food, medical care
or to work. We call on you to support United Nations protection
for the Palestinian people in the territories.

Negotiations for peace must continue if the conflict is to be
resolved and violence ended. Only when all parties to the conflict
are involved can secure peace be achieved.  Therefore, we strongly
urge you to work for reconvening the  peace talks under the
auspices of the UN, with the participation of all parties
concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization.

The International WILPF has appealed to Prime Minister Yitzak
Rabin to return the 417 Palestinians deported across the border to
Lebanon. It has also appealed to Boutros Boutros-Ghali,
Secretary-General of the United Nations, to consider every
possible action to restrain Israel and to protect the Palestinian
people and move negotiations ahead. The texts of both letters are
enclosed for your information.  Sincerely yours,

Mary Zepernick,President Dolores Taller, Chair, Middle East
Committee

cc:  Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger; U.N. Secretary
General Boutros Boutros-Ghali;  President-Elect Bill Clinton
** End of text from cdp:mideast.action **

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