Palestine one step closer to self-determination Shame on Canada

 

CJPME is delighted to relay the news that, in a historic vote moments ago at the UN, Palestine was granted "observer state" status at the UN! 

The vote is a huge step forward for the international recognition and self-determination of the Palestinian people. With the new "observer state" status, the Palestinians will have access to several new legal and diplomatic tools to advance their cause. See CJPME's full Press Statement on the vote below.

Unfortunately, Canada's Harper government voted against the resolution.

 
Please sign our petition via the link here, if you share CJPME's frustration and displeasure with Canada's vote.

Congratulations to all those who participated in CJPME's action alert earlier this week in support of the UN vote. Your action is essential, and is vital to getting the government on track re justice and human rights.

  
It has been a busy month in regards to Palestine, given the violence on Gaza, and the vote at the UN. For our friends in Toronto, Ottawa andMontreal, we invite you to Dr. Mustapha Barghouti's talks on Dec. 1, 2, and 3 (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.) Please see links at left. Dr. Barghouti will talk about recent developments, and the ongoing challenges the Palestinians face in his talk, Palestine: The Struggle for Freedom.

Thanks to everyone for their involvement!

The CJPME Leadership
CJPME Email - CJPME Website

 

- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - CJPME lauds UN's decision to recognize Palestine as a state Montreal, November 29, 2012  - Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is delighted that the UN General Assembly has granted Palestine "observer state" status at the UN. The vote represents a significant step forward for the international recognition and self-determination of the Palestinian people.  While the vote does not confer full member-state status for Palestine, it will give the Palestinians access to several new legal and diplomatic tools by which they can further their aspirations for full statehood.  "Recognition that Palestine is indeed a 'state' is a crucial step toward the establishment of a viable, independent, sovereign Palestinian state," says CJPME President Thomas Woodley.  "The injustices which the Palestinians face do not disappear with this vote, but this bump-up in status at the UN is an important symbolic and diplomatic boost."  CJPME notes that despite heavy Israeli lobbying of European governments, the majority of these governments voted in favour, including heavyweights France, Norway and Spain, as well as Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden, Portugal, and Switzerland. The resolution passed by a wide majority, with 138 of the UN's 193 UN members voting in favour, 9 opposed (including Israel, the US, Canada) and 41 abstentions. CJPME vehemently  disagrees with the Harper government's stance on the UN vote. Yesterday, in declaring Canada's intention to vote against the resolution, Prime Minister Harper denigrated the Palestinian bid for "observer state" status as a "shortcut," implying that the Palestinians were trying to avoid negotiating a final agreement with Israel.  "This is not a vote against Israel, nor a vote in opposition to negotiations with Israel," declared Woodley, "but a vote demonstrating the international community's support for an independent, viable Palestinian state."  CJPME encourages Western leaders to heed the international consensus in support of a Palestinian state, and to move quickly to contribute to a process resulting in its establishment.    The UN resolution also urged the UN Security Council to support Palestine's application to that body in 2011 for admission of Palestine to full membership in the UN. The resolution also affirmed the UN members' determination to achieve a "peaceful settlement in the Middle East that ends the occupation that began in 1967 and fulfils the vision of two States..."  CJPME regrets to note that none of Canada's current opposition parties' leaders have ever issued a clear call for an end to Israel's 45-year long occupation of the Palestinian territories. They have been equally muted in their response to Israel's repeated announcement of various "settlement" expansions and failed to insist that Israel respect the pre-1967 borders, despite the fact that all of Canada's federal parties are nominally in favour of a two-state solution based on those borders. About CJPME - Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is a non-profit and secular organization bringing together men and women of all backgrounds who labour to see justice and peace take root again in the Middle East. Its mission is to empower decision-makers to view all sides with fairness and to promote the equitable and sustainable development of the region.    For more information, please contact  CJPME, 438-380-5410 Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East www.cjpme.org The whole or parts of this press release can be reproduced without permission.  - 30 -