Monday, July 11, 2011

WBFO-FM 88.7 Wins 6 AP Awards, 2 PRNDI Awards




WBFO-FM 88.7, the University at Buffalo's National Public Radio affiliate, won six awards at the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association's annual awards banquet last month in Saratoga Springs.

The station captured three first-place and three special mentions honoring the work of the WBFO news team.

News director Eileen Buckley received first-place honors for the prestigious Art Athens award for General Excellence in Individual Reporting in 2010. 
Buckley is a three-time recipient of this award, also winning in 2002 and 2008 for her work at WBFO. In announcing the award this year, the judges said Buckley's "stories were well reported and produced. Excellent work." 

Arts and Cultural producer/reporter Joyce Kryszak won first place for Best Feature for "Family War Sacrifice," a report on a family who lost a loved one to the war in Iraq In announcing the award, the judges described Kryszak's work as "a dramatic, heartrending story. Well produced and presented." 

Kryszak has won many Associated Press, Edward R. Murrow and New York Broadcasters Association awards throughout her more than 12 years at WBFO. 




Buckley and Kryszak were also honored with a first-place award for Best Continuing Coverage of the "Deadly City Grill Shootings" in downtown Buffalo in August 2010. 

The judges described their news reporting as "thorough, well-presented...interesting storytelling of an important, significant and unfolding event." 



  

Other Associated Press awards earned by WBFO include:

  • -- Best Spot News Coverage: Special mention to Buckley for reporting on City Grill shootings
  • -- Best Interview: Special mention to Buckley for her interview with gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino about his run-in with New York Post reporter Fred Dicker: "Paladino Bickers with Dicker"
  • -- Best News Special/Documentary: Special mention to. Buckley for coverage of the Flight 3407 crash and tragedy "One Year Later" 

WBFO's news coverage also earned acclaim at the Public Radio News Directors Inc. (PRNDI) annual awards banquet held last month in Arlington, Va. PRNDI hosts the only national contest recognizing outstanding public radio news reporting at local stations.

The team of Buckley, Weekend Edition anchor Chris Jamele and news anchor Mark Scott won first place for "Breaking News" coverage of the City Grill shootings


WBFO News also received a second-place award for Buckley's spot news coverage of the shootings. 


The judges praised WBFO's coverage of the City Grill crimes as "a model for breaking news coverage: the reporter and anchor seamlessly coordinated coverage from the scene to convey the latest news." 





 

PRNDI is a non-profit organization dedicated to the professional development of public radio journalists.



Contact:


John DellaContrada
716-645-4601





Thursday, July 7, 2011

Gaza Update



The presence of the U.S. Boat to Gaza in Athens is winding down. For more than 2 weeks the 37 passengers (someone was added at the last moment), 4 crew members and about 12 people in the support team there worked hard to make sure the boat - The Audacity of Hope - could sail as part of the international Freedom Flotilla 2 to Gaza. The Greek government's willingness to serve as the enforcer of Israeli's naval blockade of Gaza made it impossible for this journey to happen.



The creative and determined spirit of this team of committed activists could not be stopped or silenced. 

They worked tirelessly to make the point in countless ways: they attempted to set sail knowing it might lead to a confrontation with the Greek authorities, they stood by the boat's captain when he was arrested and jailed for several days, several people held a hunger strike for a few days, everyone marched and rallied with other flotilla activists and with the people of Athens in their own struggle for economic justice, and incredible energy went into getting the word out to people throughout this country and around the world as the work with the media continued through it all.



Last night, the group's activities in Athens ended and here's a description from one of the people there: "We all went to Syntagma Square which looks much like Tahrir where there is an encampment and thousands of people gather each night. On Sundays there may be upwards of 50,000 and on big nights hundreds of thousands. 


We unfurled to drum beats 22 flags sewn together representing the countries participating in the Flotilla. Our black and white signs were in Greek, Arabic and English. It was a beautiful sight. Then we marched to the Spanish Embassy where our Spanish partners were occupying its embassy demanding the release of their boat. 

We arrived at about 9 pm with drummers leading the way. They came out on balconies and we sang to each other. It was quite the sight."







Now, the journey home - some will arrive today, some tomorrow and others in the days ahead. Everyone is tired, but their energy is strong! They will share their stories and talk about their experiences in communities everywhere. And they will use this incredible time they shared in Athens as a spring board for further activism and organizing.


OVERVIEW


1) Captain Released

The boat's captain - John Klusmire - had a hearing on Tuesday in a Greek court. He was released from jail, where he had been since Saturday morning, and was told he had no restrictions or limitations on his movements or activities. The charges against him were not dropped but hopeful that eventually they will be. Thanks everyone for all of the calls and email messages you sent to Greek and U.S. authorities in support of John!



2) Hunger Strike Over

The 9 passengers who were on a hunger strike in support of ther captain ended their fast. On Sunday they had been detained by the Athens police for several hours, and then on Monday 6 people were again detained and then let go a few hours later. Everyone was fine and since then no one has been held by the police.



3) The Boat

The Audacity of Hope remains in the hands of Greek authorities and we do not yet know when they will release it. Several people are staying in Athens for the foreseeable future to make sure the boat is safe.



4) Information on Other Boats:
Please note that the situation for each boat has been constantly changing.



a) On 7/5, the Greek Boat to Gaza group held a press conference at the Athens Press Club. Present were Dimitris Plionis, an organizer from the Greek group, Dr. Mattias Gardell of the partner group Swedish Boat to Gaza, Members of Parliament Tasos Kourakis and Theodoris Dritsas 2 MPs, and Green Party representative Iannis Tsironis. 


They denounced the government actions and policies forbidding ships of the Flotilla to leave Greek ports, effectively extending the Israeli siege of Gaza to Greek waters and outsourcing the siege of Gaza. Also attending in solidarity was MP Panagiotis Kouroublis, who had recently been expelled from the ruling PASOK Party for voting against the IMF austerity plan. He was given a standing ovation when he entered the hall.



b) The owners and crew of the Greek/Swedish/Norwegian passenger boat Juliano went on board in the port of Perama near Piraeus, and attempted to take the boat to the port town of Fokia, approximately 10 km. away, where they were due to attend a welcome ceremony at the invitation of the Fokia mayor, honoring the passengers and crew. 

The port authorities prevented the boat from leaving, without citing any justification. In the meantime, two rented boats filled with journalists and supporters gathered at the port to cover the action and to demand release of the boat, and have been confronted by port police. At latest report, the standoff continues, and a crowd of people is gathering at the Perama Port Authority to demand the release of the boat.



c) Passengers of the Spanish boat Guernica entered the Spanish embassy in Athens and staged a sit-in, demanding that the Spanish government intercede with Greece to release the boat. They hoisted the Palestinian flag and are refusing to leave until their boat is given permission to leave.



d) Canadian citizen Sandra Ruch remains in custody in the port city of Aghios Nikolaos. She and one other Suha Kneen, Michael Coleman, Australian Canadian were charged with impeding coast guard authorities by placing themselves in kayaks in front of police boats attempting to stop the Canadian boat, Tahrir from leaving Greek waters. They have been charged with interfering with law enforcement.



e) The other French passenger boat Karameh is again at sea in international waters, awaiting the other boats in the Flotilla. After leaving France, it proceeded to the eastern Mediterranean, where it sheltered in a safe port before returning to international waters.

WWW.USTOGAZA.ORG

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

UN to study over 350 cases of disappearances



GENEVA – The United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) has started reviewing more than 350 cases of enforced disappearances, including recently submitted information on previously accepted cases, and other communications concerning more than 40 countries.

During its 94th session, taking place at the headquarters of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva from 4-8 July, the independent experts will hold meetings with Government delegations and civil society representatives, including relatives of disappeared persons, to exchange views on individual cases under consideration and on the phenomenon of enforced disappearances in general.

The Working Group is comprised of five independent experts from all regions of the world. 

The Chair-Rapporteur is Mr. Jeremy Sarkin (South Africa) and the other members are Mr. Ariel Dulitzky (Argentina), Ms. Jasminka Dzumhur (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Mr. Osman El-Hajjé (Lebanon) and Mr. Olivier de Frouville (France).

The Working Group was established by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in 1980 to assist families in determining the fate and whereabouts of disappeared relatives. 

It endeavours to establish a channel of communication between the families and the Governments concerned, to ensure that individual cases are investigated, with the objective of clarifying the whereabouts of persons who, having disappeared, are placed outside the protection of the law. 

In view of the Working Group's humanitarian mandate, clarification occurs when the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person is clearly established.

The Working Group continues to address cases of disappearances until they are resolved. 

It also provides assistance in the implementation by States of the United Nations Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.




For more information and media requests:

Ms. Giovanna Zucchelli: 
+41 22 917 9189
gzucchelli@ohchr.org


Mr. Matías Pellado:
+41 22 917 9336
mpellado@ohchr.org




Monday, July 4, 2011

Independence: All Men Are Created Equal?


Righteous:  acting in accord with divine or moral law.
Rightful:  having a just or legally established claim.

© Merriam Webster 2011


"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." 

- Preamble, The United States Declaration of Independence, 1776 


Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is a celebration [and federal holiday] in the United States to recognize the Declaration of Independence of 1776.  A statement was adopted by the Continental Congress declaring that thirteen American colonies [then at war with Great Britain], were now independent states, no longer a part of the British Empire. 

Thomas Jefferson wrote this declaration stating that July 4th become the birth of America. The signed document is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.  The main components of this document, beside the Preamble, are grievances against King George III, including the right of revolution. 


Abraham Lincoln considered this declaration to be the foundation of his philosophy. The document has been utilized to promote rights of minority groups, basic human rights, and as moral standards that Americans live and abide by.


Are you, American citizen, practicing and applying these simple moral codes?

  • - creating all men equal
  • - recognizing endowment of one's Creator
  • - allowing others, as well as self, to pursue life, liberty, happiness

Every American citizen rightfully and righteously should have been able to answer the above question with a resounding, "YES!"


This document is the cornerstone of the DIVERSITY that is all of the PEOPLE of the United States of America. It was put into effect to create a union, not a separation.  


Until we, America, learn how to treat ourselves and one another with respect, acceptance, love, kindness and compassion; then we, Americans, cannot accept this declaration as independence. 


This document was drafted to unite us as people, to progress us as a nation, for ourselves and for the world, and to be free from any rule that does not speak for the NATION of the PEOPLE of the United States of America. 


If you honestly have answered YES to the above question, you rightfully and righteously own this declaration.


As an American citizen, owning such declaration, the Preamble further states: 


  • "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed [that is us, people.] 



  • That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.  



  • Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.  



  • But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their RIGHT, it is their DUTY, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."



READ THAT AGAIN. 


Regardless of how America came to be, who rightfully owned this land, those who were brought here under duress, the current state of the world, actions of the United States government and governments therein, and regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, and culture:


If you are indeed an America citizen, RIGHT NOW, the Declaration of Independence belongs to YOU.  



WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH IT? 



[click above image to view 100%]



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Sunday, July 3, 2011

Alert Update: US Boat To Gaza


July 3, 2011 - 6 pm NY time

Athens: the 8 people who were fasting in front of the U.S. Embassy have been arrested then released. They are Ken Mayers, Carol Murry, Medea Benjamin, Paki Wieland, Ray McGovern, Brad Taylor, Kit Kitteridge and Kathy Kelly. We will not have any more news until the morning. 

In the meantime, keep the pressure on Washington. They need to pressure the Greek government to release our captain, our boat and now these 8 people as well! Let them sail to Gaza!

Throughout this country people have responded to our call to contact the U.S. State Department to demand that they take the steps necessary to ensure that the Greek authorities immediately release the captain and let our boat sail to Gaza. 

There has been such a strong response that their voice mailboxes are full! That's great, but of course frustrating for those of you trying to make those calls.

Here are some other phone numbers and email addresses to try:
  • State Department general number: 202-647-4000 - ask for the Overseas U.S. Citizen Services Duty Officer and you'll get a live State Dept. official who has to hear you out.
  • The voicemail for Kim Richter - also at the State Dept. - says she's out of the office for several days, and that callers with urgent issues should contact a colleague at 202-647-4578.
  • If you can place an international phone call, the number for the U.S. Embassy in Athens is 011-30-210-721-2951.

Please try to call, fax or email your members of Congress as well.

EMAIL: nycons@greekembassy.org
  • Consulate General - Chicago
  • 650 North St. Clair Street
  • Chicago , IL 60611
  • Telephone: 312.335.3915
  • Fax: 312.335.3958
  • Web Address: http://www.greekembassy.org/chicago/
  • E-mail: chicago@greekembassy.org
  •  
  •  
  • Consulate General - San Francisco
  • 2441 Gough Street
  • San Francisco, CA 94123
  • Telephone: 415.775.2102
  • Fax: 415.776.6815
  • Web Address: http://www.greekembassy.org/sanfrancisco/
  • E-mail: sfgr@greekembassy.org
  •  
  •  
  • Consulate General - Los Angeles
  • 12424 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 800
  • Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • Telephone: 310.826.5555
  • Fax: 310.826.8670
  • Web Address: http://www.greekembassy.org/losangeles/
  • E-mail: lagr@greekembassy.org
  •  
  •  
  • Consulate General - Tampa
  • 601 Bayshore Blvd., Suite 800
  • Tampa, FL 33606
  • Telephone: 813.865.0200
  • Fax: 813.865.0206
  • Web Address: http://www.greekembassy.org/tampa
  • E-mail: grgencon.tam@mfa.gr
  •  
  •  
  • Consulate - Atlanta
  • Tower Place, Suite 1670 3340, Peachtree Rd., N.E.
  • Atlanta, GA 30326
  • Telephone: 404.261.3313
  • Fax: 404.262.2798
  • Web Address: http://www.greekembassy.org/atlanta/
  • E-mail: atlanta@greekembassy.org
  •  
  •  
  • Consulate - Houston
  • 520 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 450
  • Houston , TX 77027
  • Telephone: 713.840.7522
  • Fax: 713.840.0614
  • Web Address: http://www.greekembassy.org/houston/
  • E-mail: houston@greekembassy.org

Help us keep the pressure up!!





Saturday, July 2, 2011

US Boat To Gaza: Update: Greece



After a two hour stand off at sea, the U.S. Boat to Gaza - The Audacity of Hope - was seized by the Greek Coast Guard and forced to return to the port of Piraeus under military escort. The boat's captain has been put in jail, charged with disturbing sea traffic--which includes endangering the lives of those on the ships-- and disobeying a police order to remain at dock. 

The crew is being detained on the boat, which is being held at a military dock just outside Athens. Most of the 36 passengers remain on the ship in solidarity with the captain and crew.

Ann Wright, retired U.S. Army Colonel, responded strongly to the arrest of the American captain of the U.S. Boat to Gaza. "I think it's outrageous what the Greek government is doing to our captain who was taking a group of Americans to challenge the illegal Israeli blockade. We call on the Greek government to release our Captain and dismiss all charges."

Yonatan Shapira, a crew member on The Audacity of Hope and former Israeli Air Force captain, said the captain of the U.S. Boat should be praised, not condemned for his actions. "The captain acted out of concern for the safety of the passengers and boat by taking us away from the Greek port where other flotilla boats are being sabotaged," Shapira said.

After five days of stalling, the Greek authorities produced the results of the inspection of the boat, which took place on Monday, June 27. 

The Greek government inspected the boat on the basis of an anonymous complaint alleging that the boat is not seaworthy. The anonymous complaint later turned out to have been filed by the Israel Law Center. 

The list of infractions cited on the inspection report included such things as technical details regarding the construction material of the hull and the fact that the private inspection report emailed to the authorities was unsigned. 

"None of these alleged infractions are actually regulations that boats are required to meet," said group's Greek lawyer Emmanuel Stephanakis. "It's obvious that these are politically motivated, baseless charges calculated to stop the U.S. Boat to Gaza from sailing."

"This shameful chapter in Greek history is symbolized by Prime Minister Netanyahu thanking his Greek counterpart Prime MInister Papandreou for his cooperation in helping thwart the flotilla, and by the fully-armed and masked Greek commandos at sea, pointing their guns at unarmed American civilians singing "We are a gentle, loving people," says passenger Medea Benjamin.

The other boats in the flotilla that are docked in Greece have been denied permission to sail due to a variety of bureaucratic obstacles the Greek authorities have thrown in their way. 

Greece's Civil Protection Authority confirmed Saturday the ban on departures of ships "with Greek and foreign flags from Greek ports to the maritime area of Gaza" was in place until further notice. 

Two of the boats have had physical damage done to them as well. All vow to pressure the Greek government to grant them permission to sail, and have activated their international networks. 

In the United States, the phones at the Greek Embassy and Consulates were so busy that callers could not get through.

While deeply disappointed that they have not yet been able to sail to Gaza, the passengers feel they have been successful at exposing the ongoing plight of the people of Gaza and the inhumanity of the Israeli government. 

"The success of the flotilla is shown by the huge expenditure of financial and personnel resources by the Israeli government to counter 10 civilian, unarmed ships with 300 citizen activists who simply want to sail to Gaza out of concern for the people of Gaza," says jazz musician and passenger Richard Lopez.

http://twitter.com/usboattogaza  
 



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Updates from Greece: Freedom Flotilla II: The Tahrir: Canada



The departure of ships with any flag from Greek ports to Gaza has been officially prohibited under the orders of the Greek government.

An hour ago, a Greek MP held a press conference in support of CBG and FF2 in front of the Tahrir at the port of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete (near the eastern end.)

All the delegates of Tahrir, from all countries, are well, free (no one has been arrested or detained) and in high spirits, each and every one of them

For coverage of what happened on the Tahrir yesterday: http://livenews.thestar.com/Event/Aboard_the_Gaza_flotilla

For the media:

 
Greece:

 
David Heap: +30 (697) 837 9887
Dylan Penner: +30 (699) 663 6796
Sandra Ruch: +30 (698) 030 1711
 

Canada:
 
Ehab Lotayef: 514.941.9792

lotayef@gmail.com
Wendy Goldsmith: 519.619.6766 wendygoldsmith21@gmail.com


Please keep the letters and calls to the Greek and Israeli authorities and the Canadian government going strong. We know that it makes a difference.


EVENTS

Let us know if you are planning an event or activity. We’ll help get the word out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgcCuqILdeU
http://www.origami-instructions.com/easy-origami-boat.html


MONTREAL

1. July 2, Saturday, 4:00 PM, at the entrance of the Montreal Jazz Festival 
(Bleury / Président Kennedy.)

We will rally to show solidarity with the Canada Boat, the Tahrir, we will have banners and distribute material. We will call on the Greek government to the Flotilla sail.

2. July 4, Monday. 11h30 AM, in front of the Greek Consulate (1002 Sherbrooke W.) We will deliver letters to the Greek Consulate, demanding they let the Tahrir sail.


OTTAWA

1.  July 2, Saturday, 12:00 noon, Vigil at the Greek Embassy, 76-80 McLaren Street (near Cartier.)

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=177987668927794

2.  July 3, Sunday, 1:00-3:00 PM, at the Human Rights Monument (Elgin St./Lisgar St) Ottawa Symbolic launch, all welcome.

 
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=156111541128152


TORONTO

1. July 2, Saturday, 3pm, Location: Greek Consulate, 365 Bloor Street East


VANCOUVER

1. July 2, Saturday, 2:00-4:00 PM, In front of CBC headquarters at corner of Georgia & Hamilton.
 

VICTORIA

1. Sunday, July 3, 2:00pm, Beside the Tourist Information Centre, Wharf at Government St., Inner Harbour Rally.
 

WINDSOR, ON

1. July 2, Saturday, 11:00 AM – noon, Corner of Ottawa and Monmouth (across from Market Square.)

Windsor Peace Coalition

 
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=233175653373617


WINNIPEG

1. July 2, Saturday, 1:00 p.m. Corner of River Avenue and Osborne Street in Winnipeg.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=219730754734154



Together we can end the siege of Gaza!




               
Witness Gaza
 
 

Friday, July 1, 2011

Gaza Blockades: Canadian "Tahrir" and US "Audacity of Hope": Freedom Flotilla II



July 1, 2011

The blockade of Gaza reaches the shores of Greece!

As it attempts to sail, the Canadian Boat to Gaza, the Tahrir, blockaded in Greece

Greek coast guard are now on board the Tahrir attempting to arrest Sandra Rush, Jewish Canadian member of the Canada boat to Gaza Steering Committee, who is refusing to surrender boat's registration papers.

Efforts to stop Freedom Flotilla 2 - Stay Human from sailing have included diplomatic pressure and manipulation, economic blackmail, bureaucratic obstacles, baseless and slanderous allegations against the flotilla and the delegates, and sabotage of at least two vessels.

"The world watched as an intensive campaign to prevent the Tahrir and the entire Freedom flotilla II from sailing was underway.  We have been unjustly and duplicitously treated." said Irene MacInnes of the Tahrir organizing committee. "The government of Israel, shamefully with the tacit support of the Harper government, is doing everything in its power to maintain the blockade. 



Today, as a result of the concerted efforts of the 4th largest military power in the world and its backers, we have been prevented from sailing to Gaza. Yet we will persevere in our attempts till the blockade is lifted."

"Israel has in effect extended the illegal blockade of Gaza to Greek ports, using the Greece's economic difficulties to influence the government's position", said David Heap of the organizing committee.

"We remain absolutely clear that the Canadian Boat to Gaza has not been, is not, and has no intention of, breaking any laws. It is the blockade of Gaza that is illegal under international law. 



We have a legal and moral obligation to challenge the blockade, given the failure of the international community to act", said Dylan Penner of the organizing committee. "This is why we must continue our attempts to sail to Gaza: to challenge the illegal and immoral blockade and to equally challenge the Canadian federal government's support for it."

Meanwhile the US boat to Gaza, The Audacity of Hope, is at a standoff with the Greek Navy boats, refusing orders to return to shore.


For biographies of delegates aboard the Tahrir visit:  


Contacts in Greece:
David Heap: +30 (697) 837 9887
Dylan Penner: +30 (699) 663 6796
Sandra Ruch: +30 (698) 030 1711
Contacts in Canada:
Ehab Lotayef: 514.941.9792 - lotayef@gmail.com
Wendy Goldsmith: 519.619.6766 - wendygoldsmith21@gmail.com


-----------------
français  ---------------


Pour diffusion immédiate

Le 1er juillet 2011

Le blocus de Gaza s’étend jusqu’aux côtes grecques!

Alors qu’il tente de prendre la mer, le Bateau canadien pour Gaza, le Tahrir, est retenu en Grèce


La garde côtière grecque a arraisonné le Tahrir et tente d’arrêter Sandra Rush, une citoyenne canadienne de confession juive et membre du comité de pilotage du Bateau canadien pour Gaza, qui refuse de céder les documents d’enregistrement du bateau.

On a pratiquement tout fait pour empêcher la Flottille pour la Liberté II – Rester humain, de prendre la mer : pressions et manipulations diplomatiques, chantage économique, obstacles bureaucratiques, allégations sans fondement et diffamatoires à l’endroit de la flottille et des délégués, sabotage d’au moins deux navires, etc.

«Le monde entier a pu voir à l’œuvre la campagne intensive pour empêcher le Tahrir et la Flottille de la liberté de partir. Nous sommes victimes d’injustice et de duplicité» a dit Irene MacInnes, du comité de pilotage du Tahrir. «Le gouvernement israélien, avec l’appui tacite et honteux du gouvernement Harper, fait tout en son pouvoir pour maintenir le blocus. Aujourd’hui, en raison des efforts concertés de la 4e puissance militaire au monde – et de ses supporteurs – nous avons été empêchés de mettre le cap sur Gaza. Mais nous allons persévérer et multiplier nos efforts jusqu’à ce que le blocus soit levé.»

«Dans les faits, Israël a étendu son blocus de Gaza jusqu’aux ports grecs. Au fond, Israël s’est servi des difficultés  économiques de la Grèce pour influencer la position du gouvernement grec» a dit David Heap du comité de pilotage.

«Soyons parfaitement clairs: le Bateau canadien pour Gaza n’a jamais enfreint la moindre loi. Nous sommes en tout point en conformité avec le droit. C’est au contraire le blocus de Gaza qui enfreint le droit international. Étant donné l’inaction de la communauté internationale, nous avons l’obligation légale et morale de contester le blocus» a dit Dylan Penner du comité de pilotage. «C’est pourquoi nous devons continuer nos efforts pour nous rendre à Gaza : pour contester le blocus illégal et immoral ainsi que l’appui que lui donne le gouvernement canadien.»

Pendant ce temps, le bateau américain pour Gaza, The Audacity of Hope, n’a pu s’éloigner que de quelques mètres des côtes grecques, étant bloqué par des navires de la marine grecque. Le bateau américain répond négativement aux ordres de regagner le rivage.


Pour la biographie des délégués à bord du Tahrir :
http://www.tahrir.ca/fr/content/d%C3%A9l%C3%A9gation-%C3%A0-bord-du-tahrir

-30-

Info en Grèce
Stéphan Corriveau: +44 7715 055 541
David Heap: +30 (697) 837 9887

Info au Canada
Lorraine Guay: 514.746.8453lorraineguay@videotron.ca
Denis Kosseim: 514.923.5594 - denis.tahrir@gmail.com